CBI busts multi-state network trafficking Indians to Russia-Ukraine war zone

After conducting searches, the CBI has so far recovered Rs 50 lakh, incriminating documents, and electronic records such as laptops, mobiles, desktops, and CCTV footage.

2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Mar 8, 2024 08:39 AM IST

Earlier last month, the Ministry of External Affairs had said that 20-odd Indians are stranded in Russia. (Express photo)

The CBI has registered an FIR against various visa consultancy firms and agents for allegedly sending youths to the Russia-Ukraine war zone in the guise of lucrative jobs.

Multiple teams of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at around 15 places in seven cities — Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai, and Chennai. After conducting searches, the CBI has so far recovered Rs 50 lakh, incriminating documents, and electronic records such as laptops, mobiles, desktops, and CCTV footage.

Also Read | Telangana youth ‘duped into joining Russia-Ukraine war’ dies on frontlines

“Searches are on. Certain suspects have also been detained for questioning at various locations. So far, around 35 instances of victims sent abroad have been established. The identity of more trafficking victims are being established. Investigation is continuing,” a CBI spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, they have busted major human trafficking networks running across the country targeting gullible youths on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad. “Accused among others include; M/s 24×7 RAS Overseas Foundation, KG Marg, New Delhi, and its director Suyash Mukut; M/s O.S.D Bros Travels & Visa Services Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, and its director Rakesh Pandey; M/s Adventure Visa Services Pvt Ltd., Chandigarh, Punjab, and its director Manjeet Singh; and Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd., Dubai, and its director Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan alias Baba,” the spokesperson said.

Mahender Singh Manral

Mahender Singh Manral is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. He is known for his impactful and breaking stories. He covers the Ministry of Home Affairs, Investigative Agencies, National Investigative Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, Law Enforcement Agencies, Paramilitary Forces, and internal security. Prior to this, Manral had extensively reported on city-based crime stories along with that he also covered the anti-corruption branch of the Delhi government for a decade. He is known for his knack for News and a detailed understanding of stories. He also worked with Mail Today as a senior correspondent for eleven months. He has also worked with The Pioneer for two years where he was exclusively covering crime beat. During his initial days of the career he also worked with The Statesman newspaper in the national capital, where he was entrusted with beats like crime, education, and the Delhi Jal Board. A graduate in Mass Communication, Manral is always in search of stories that impact lives. ... Read More

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