Has the NIA Seized Properties Linked to a Cyber Fraud Mastermind in Bihar and Maharashtra?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The NIA has attached properties linked to a cyber fraud kingpin.
- The properties were obtained through illegal human trafficking operations.
- The accused lured vulnerable youth with false job opportunities.
- Victims faced severe abuse upon reaching foreign countries.
- The investigation aims to dismantle a larger transnational syndicate.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) Following directives from its special Court in Patna, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has proceeded to attach two immovable properties linked to a suspect in a transnational human trafficking and cyber fraud case, the agency reported on Wednesday.
The properties in question include one flat situated in Thane, Maharashtra, and a parcel of land in Siwan, Bihar.
The NIA stated, “Both properties were acquired by the wanted individual Anand Kumar Singh under his wife's name, utilizing funds derived from illicit human trafficking operations. The accused, an Indian national residing in Cambodia, was implicated in the trafficking of Indian youths to Cambodia for forced criminal activities related to cyber fraud, as revealed by NIA investigations.”
The NIA's special Court in Patna has recognized these properties as proceeds of crime and issued an order for their attachment on December 10 under section 107 of the BNSS. Additionally, it mandated that any funds generated from their auction be forfeited.
According to NIA's findings, the accused was part of a syndicate that deceived vulnerable youth in India with false assurances of lucrative, legitimate job opportunities abroad.
Upon arrival in the foreign country, victims had their passports confiscated by the syndicate and were sold to fraudulent companies. Those who resisted working for these companies faced severe mental and physical abuse, as uncovered during the investigation.
Ongoing efforts are being made to dismantle the entire transnational network associated with this syndicate.
Last month, the anti-terror agency filed a chargesheet against ten individuals in a Bhubaneswar court concerning the trafficking of a minor Bangladeshi girl from across the eastern border into Odisha.
The charges presented by the NIA in front of a Special Court accused these individuals of luring the girl with employment promises, subsequently forcing her into immoral trafficking for profit.
The accused exploited her family's dire financial situation to facilitate the trafficking operation, as revealed by the NIA's investigation that highlighted a significant human trafficking network.