CBI arrests Hisar man in Southeast Asia cyber slavery scam case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a person allegedly associated with a network of agents involved in trafficking Indian nationals to scam compounds operating in Southeast Asia under the guise of lucrative overseas employment opportunities.

The accused, identified as Ankit, a resident of Hisar in Haryana, was arrested in Delhi. The agency alleged that in 2025, he had sent at least four individuals from Hisar to scam compounds.

Statements of the victims revealed a disturbing pattern of deception and exploitation. “Some of them had to pay a significant amount to return home from these scam compounds or had to lure in a substitute to be able to return,” the CBI said.

The agency said it had gathered evidence from a seized mobile device indicating his alleged links with recruiters associated with scam compounds in Myanmar and Cambodia.

“Numerous cryptocurrency related transactions are also under investigation, as being part of commissions paid by scam compound operators to the agent,” it said.

During interrogation, the accused disclosed that social media platforms such as Instagram were used to circulate advertisements to lure prospective victims. The agents would communicate through messaging apps, including Telegram.

The CBI had registered a case against the network of human trafficking agents in December 2025. In May and June this year, it conducted coordinated searches at eight locations across four States and arrested three accused persons.