CBI Names Visa Consultancies, Agents In FIR Over Indians Duped Into Russia-Ukraine War
Amid reports of Indians ending up getting killed in war zones between Ukraine and Russia, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today filed an FIR against the people involved in the alleged human trafficking from India. There were reports regarding Indians duping into Russia on the pretext of jobs and then being pushed to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
The CBI alleged that the accused through agents in India trafficked Indians to Russia offering jobs. The central investigation agency has named a Russian woman and two Indians based in Russia in its FIR on the human trafficking incident. A total of 19 people and some visa consultancy agencies have been named in the FIR. The accused spread across Delhi, Mumbai, Thane and Haryana, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra.
In its Twitter post regarding the ongoing search operation against the human trafficking network, the premier investigation agency claimed that it has busted major networks targeting gullible youth on the promise of lucrative jobs abroad.
CBI BUSTS MAJOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING NETWORKS: SEARCHES UNDERWAY AT MORE THAN 10 LOCATIONS IN 07 CITIES pic.twitter.com/a9qlGZyBDv
— Central Bureau of Investigation (India) (@CBIHeadquarters) March 7, 2024
The issue received public attention when at least two Indians were killed in Russia while serving in the army. Indian Embassy in Russia yesterday confirmed the death of Hyderabad resident Mohammed Afsan. Afsan”s family alleged that he was duped into joining the Russian army, leading to the tragic incident.
We have learnt about the tragic death of an Indian national Shri Mohammed Asfan. We are in touch with the family and Russian authorities. Mission will make efforts to send his mortal remains to India.@MEAIndia
— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) March 6, 2024
According to reports, around 12 people have been trafficked so far to the war zone, duping of men offering jobs and other assignments in the Russian army. In addition, many agents allegedly promised students admission to Russian universities and fielded them in the war zone. However, the number of students deployed in the war zone is yet to be known.
After reaching Russia, the agents will take their passports from them and then they will be provided with Russian Army uniforms and forced to work in combat roles. The Indians will be deployed at the front bases of the war zone, putting their lives at grave risk, according to the FIR.
The FIR named Delhi-based 24×7 RAS Overseas Foundation and its Director Suyash Mukut, Mumbai-based OSD Bros Travels & Visa Services Pvt Ltd and its Director Rakesh Pandey, Chandigarh-based Adventure Visa Services Pvt Ltd and its Director Manjeet Singh and Dubai-based Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd and its Director Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan.
