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NIA intensifies crackdown on Laos human trafficking and cyber slavery network

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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its investigation into the Laos human trafficking and cyber slavery syndicate operating out of the Golden Triangle. As part of the investigation, the agency conducted raids in the Jamia Nagar area of Delhi at the residence of an arrested suspect.

The NIA’s search operation recovered significant evidence, including multiple digital devices such as mobile phones and tablets. Financial documents, including debit cards, passbooks, and chequebooks, were also seized from various banks.

These items are expected to provide critical insights into the syndicate’s modus operandi and financial trails.

The investigation centres around Kamran Haider, who is believed to be the chief architect of a criminal conspiracy that exploited vulnerable Indian youth. According to preliminary findings, Haider orchestrated the trafficking of these individuals to the Golden Triangle region in Laos.

Once there, the victims were coerced into performing cyber scams targeting European and United States citizens.

“Investigations so far have revealed that Kamran Haider had facilitated the entire operation and was also involved in extorting money through crypto currency wallets from the victims who had tried to escape the clutches of the Chinese scammers,” said NIA.

Further investigations revealed that the syndicate employed intimidation tactics to maintain control. Victims attempting to escape were subjected to extortion through cryptocurrency wallets, underscoring the group’s technological sophistication.

Moreover, evidence points to the network’s collaboration with Chinese cybercriminals, highlighting its global dimensions.

Last year, the government of India initiated an operation to rescue its 250 citizens stranded in Cambodia.

The origins of this crisis can be traced back to an operation by the Rourkela Police in Odisha. During that operation, eight individuals were arrested who were involved in facilitating the movement of people to Cambodia for illicit purposes.

In September 2024, the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Cambodian entrepreneur and senator Ly Yong Phat, alleging Ly’s involvement in severe human rights abuses, particularly the exploitation of trafficked workers in online scam operations.

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Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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