The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a man from Hisar, Haryana, in connection with an alleged network involved in trafficking Indian nationals to cyber scam compounds operating in Southeast Asia. The accused, identified as Ankit, was arrested in Delhi. The agency alleges that he was associated with a network of agents who lured Indian youths with promises of lucrative overseas employment and helped send them to scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia.
According to the investigating agency, Ankit allegedly sent at least four people from Hisar to such scam compounds in 2025. The victims were allegedly promised better salaries and attractive employment opportunities abroad. However, after reaching Southeast Asia, they were allegedly forced to participate in cyber fraud activities.
Statements recorded from victims have reportedly revealed the modus operandi of the alleged trafficking network. The CBI said some victims had to pay significant amounts of money to secure their release and return to India. Others were allegedly forced to lure another person into the network as a substitute before they could leave the scam compounds.
The accounts have highlighted the alleged exploitation faced by Indians trapped in such compounds, where victims may be subjected to coercion and pressure after being transported abroad on the pretext of legitimate employment.
Mobile Device Provides Key Leads
The CBI said a mobile device seized from the accused contained digital evidence indicating his alleged links with recruiters associated with scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia. Investigators are examining the communications, contact details and other digital records to establish the nature and extent of these alleged connections.
Cryptocurrency transactions have also emerged as an important part of the investigation. According to the CBI, several such transactions are being examined on the suspicion that they could represent commissions allegedly paid by scam compound operators to agents involved in recruiting and transporting victims.
Investigators are examining cryptocurrency wallets, transaction records and related digital communications to trace the movement of funds and identify other individuals involved in the alleged network.
Instagram Used for Recruitment, Telegram for Communication
During interrogation, Ankit allegedly disclosed that social media platforms were used to identify and lure potential victims. Instagram was reportedly used to circulate advertisements offering attractive overseas employment opportunities. The advertisements allegedly highlighted high salaries and better career prospects to encourage job seekers to make contact.
Once prospective victims responded, agents allegedly communicated with them through messaging applications. The CBI said Telegram was also used to establish contact between recruiters and potential victims. Investigators are now examining digital accounts and communication channels allegedly used during the recruitment process.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the advertisements were deliberately designed to conceal the actual nature of the jobs and whether recruiters were aware that the victims would ultimately be sent to cyber fraud compounds.
Case Registered in December 2025
The CBI registered a case against the alleged human trafficking network in December 2025. The agency subsequently began investigating the activities of agents suspected of facilitating the movement of Indian nationals to scam compounds in Southeast Asia.
In May and June 2026, the CBI conducted coordinated searches at eight locations across four States as part of the investigation. Three accused persons were arrested during those operations. The arrest of Ankit is being treated as another significant development in the probe.
The agency is now investigating how many recruiters and agents were connected with the accused, how many Indian nationals were allegedly sent to Southeast Asia and what happened to them after they reached the scam compounds.
Investigators are also examining cryptocurrency transactions and digital communications to establish the financial structure of the alleged network and identify possible links between Indian agents and operators of scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia.
The investigation remains underway, with the CBI continuing efforts to identify additional accused persons, recruiters and victims associated with the alleged transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud network.
