CBI launches major crackdown on dubious visa agencies after Indians tricked into fighting Russia-Ukraine war
Weeks after the death of Indians recruited to the Russian Army, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted a nationwide raid at many recruitment agencies. CBI has busted a major human trafficking network running across the country targeting gullible youths on the promise of offering lucrative jobs abroad. These traffickers have been operating as an organized network and were luring Indian nationals through social media channels like YouTube etc., and also through their local contacts/ agents for highly paid jobs in Russia, said CBI.
“Thereafter, the trafficked Indian Nationals were trained in combat roles and deployed at front bases in the Russia – Ukraine War Zone against their wishes, thus, putting their lives in grave danger. It has been ascertained that some of the victims also got grievously injured in the war zone.
“In this regard, a case of human trafficking was registered on 06.03.2024 against private visa consultancy firms, agents, and others who have been found engaged in the trafficking of Indian Nationals to Russia under the guise of better employment and high-paying jobs. The human trafficking network of these agents is spread over several states across the country,” said CBI in a statement, adding that “an appeal is made to the general public not to fall prey for such false promises of jobs by the dubious recruitment agencies and agents”.
The probe agency is conducting simultaneous searches at around 13 locations in Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai, and Chennai. So far cash amounting to over Rs.50 lakhs, incriminating documents, and electronic records like laptops, mobiles, desktops, CCTV footage, etc., have been seized. Searches are going 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 also being established. The investigation is on.
According to CBI, the following persons and recruitment companies are listed as 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.
- Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd., Dubai, and its Director Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan @ Baba.
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Excellent action by BJP govt. Never seen such instant action in last 75 years.