The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted simultaneous raids in Bihar’s Gopalganj, East Champaran and Saran districts as part of its investigation into an alleged international human trafficking network accused of sending people to Cambodia for cyber fraud. During the operation, agency teams questioned several individuals, seized mobile phones and other digital devices, and issued notices directing suspects to appear for further questioning at the NIA’s Patna office.
Investigation traces alleged Cambodia cyber fraud network
According to the agency, the investigation is linked to a case in which Satyanarayan, a resident of Bettiah in West Champaran district, was allegedly sent abroad in 2024 and later taken to Cambodia, where he was forced to engage in cyber fraud. Investigators said he later escaped and returned to India before filing a complaint with the NIA, which is now probing the case.
In Gopalganj, NIA officials questioned an agent identified as Pradeep Singh at Sadhu Chowk under the Town police station limits. After questioning, the agency directed him to appear at its Patna office on July 10. Singh denied the allegations, claiming that the money had been refunded after the young man returned from Cambodia and that the investigation began only after a fresh complaint was filed.
Searches conducted across three districts
In East Champaran, the NIA searched the residence of Mohammad Kalamuddin at Kalupakar village under Phenhara police station limits. The agency said his name surfaced during the investigation into the alleged international human trafficking network. His mobile phone was seized and he was questioned for several hours.
Investigators suspect Kalamuddin was part of a network involved in sending people to Cambodia and arranging travel tickets. The agency also said its investigation indicated that he was in contact with Sudhir Singh, a resident of Chhapra who is described as the main accused in the case. Kalamuddin has been directed to appear before the NIA in Patna on July 13.
Local police assist NIA operation
In Saran district, a special NIA team from Delhi, assisted by the local police, carried out a raid at Pachrukhwa village under Mashrakh police station limits at around 5 am on Tuesday. DIG Saran Nilesh Kumar confirmed the operation and said the local police cooperated with the NIA during the searches.
The agency’s investigation into the alleged human trafficking and cyber fraud network is continuing, with further questioning of suspects and examination of seized digital evidence expected as investigators seek to establish the alleged cross-border network and its operations.
