Cyber Slavery Racket Targets Bihari Youth in Southeast Asia
Severity: High (Score: 67.8)
Sources: Dailypioneer, Devdiscourse, Newsbytesapp, Freepressjournal.In, Indiatoday.In
Summary
Approximately 1,600 individuals from Bihar are reportedly trapped in Southeast Asia, coerced into cyber fraud after being lured by job offers. A former merchant navy officer, Nagesh Kumar, was arrested for trafficking youths to Cambodia and Thailand under false pretenses. Victims often have their passports confiscated and are forced to work in scam centers, facing threats of violence. The Bihar Cyber Crime and Security cell is investigating these cases, warning locals about the rising job scams. Authorities are tracking 39 agents involved in this trafficking network. The operation has international links, with evidence suggesting connections to Chinese companies. Several arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle the broader network. Key Points: • Around 1,600 Bihari individuals are trapped in Southeast Asia as cyber slaves. • Nagesh Kumar, a former merchant navy officer, was arrested for trafficking youths. • Victims are coerced into cyber fraud after being lured by fake job offers.