Patna: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted search operations at multiple locations in Bihar, including Gopalganj, Saran, Siwan and East Champaran, as part of its investigation into an alleged human trafficking racket in which a youth was reportedly sent to Cambodia on false promise of overseas employment and forced into cyberfraud.In Gopalganj, the NIA team searched the residence of Pradeep Singh, a resident of Sareya Ward No. 6 under Gopalganj Town police station area, and questioned him for nearly five hours. Simultaneously, another NIA team, assisted by the local police, carried out a search at the residence of Nizam Ansari in Pachrukhwa village under Mashrakh police station area in Saran district; and Kalupkar village under Fenhara police station in East Champaran district, where officials questioned Mohammad Kalamuddin.Following the searches, the agency served notices, directing them to appear before the NIA office in Patna on July 10 for further questioning.According to investigators, the case pertains to a youth from West Champaran district, who was allegedly sent abroad in 2024 after being promised a lucrative overseas job by an agent. Instead of the promised destination, he was reportedly taken to Cambodia, where he was forced to engage in cyberfraud activities run by organised criminal network.Officials said the youth somehow managed to escape from the cyberfraud syndicate and returned to India, following which he lodged a complaint with the NIA. Based on his complaint, the agency launched an investigation into the suspected human trafficking and overseas cyberfraud network.During the searches, investigators examined documents related to overseas recruitment, passports, visas, travel arrangements and financial transactions. Officials are also analysing the electronic devices seized during the raids for digital evidence.Investigating agencies are trying to find out what role Mohd Kalamuddin played in the process of sending people abroad and whether he has any connection with any human trafficking gang or suspicious network.During the raid in Gopalganj, investigators examined documents related to overseas recruitment, passports, visas, financial transactions and travel arrangements while questioning Pradeep in detail about the recruitment process.SHO of Mashrakh, Ujjwal Kumar said the NIA team reportedly seized Ansari’s mobile phone and laptop after conducting a detailed examination of the electronic devices. “The team interrogated him for several hours and then asked him to appear in Patna for further inquiry. The local police team, assisted in the operation,” he said.According to the NIA, the investigation revolves around an organised human trafficking and cyber slavery syndicate allegedly masterminded by absconding accused Anand Kumar Singh alias Munna Singh. The agency said Anand, along with four associates—Prahlad Kumar Singh, Abhay Nath Dubey, Abhiranjan Kumar and Rohit Yadav—was chargesheeted in May this year. Earlier, in Feb 2026, three of Anand’s associates—Abhay Nath Dubey, Abhiranjan Kumar and Rohit Yadav—were arrested in Delhi after returning from Cambodia.According to the agency, investigations have revealed that vulnerable Indian youths were recruited through a network of sub-agents and travel operators functioning in different states. After being trafficked to Cambodia, the victims’ passports were confiscated and they were handed over to scam companies operating there.In their statements to investigators, several victims alleged that they were forced to work for cyberfraud companies. Those who refused were allegedly subjected to mental and physical torture, including electric shocks, illegal confinement, and denial of food and water.The NIA said it is continuing efforts to trace absconding accused and identify other members of the trafficking syndicate operating across India and abroad.During the operation, officials seized smartphones, laptops, other digital devices and several incriminating documents for forensic examination.
