CBI busts human trafficking network sending Indians to Ukraine war zone

The investigation by the CBI revealed that the trafficking network had victimized at least 35 individuals, luring them with false promises through social media channels and local contacts.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a human trafficking network operating out of Russia. The agency has exposed the network that forcibly sent unsuspecting Indian nationals into the war zone in Ukraine.

Two Russia-based agents, identified as Christina and Moinuddin Chippa, are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in confiscating passports of Indians, coercing them into military training, and deploying them to the conflict area against their will.

The operation came to light on March 7, when the CBI revealed a sinister web that forcibly pushed Indians into the war zone in Ukraine.

Christina and Moinuddin Chippa - the duo, hailing from Rajasthan, reportedly enticed Indian youth with promises of lucrative job opportunities in Russia. The traffickers utilized a network of 17 Visa consultancy companies across India, involving owners and agents, to facilitate the illegal transportation of individuals.

The central probe agency's FIR has listed 17 other Visa consultancy companies, their owners and agents spread across India.

The accused are facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and human trafficking. The CBI alleges that the agents exploited vulnerable individuals by promising jobs in the Russian Army, security services, and other fields, charging exorbitant fees for their services.

Furthermore, the traffickers deceived students by securing admissions for them in dubious private universities in Russia, offering discounted fees, visa extensions, and other false assurances. Once in Russia, the victims found themselves at the mercy of local agents who confiscated their passports and subjected them to military training.

"They were being trained in combat roles and provided with Russian Army uniforms and batches. Thereafter, these Indian Nationals are being deployed at front bases in the Russia-Ukraine War Zone against their wishes and put their lives in grave danger," the CBI FIR said.

The investigation by the CBI revealed that the trafficking network had victimized at least 35 individuals, luring them with false promises through social media channels and local contacts. Following the filing of the FIR, the CBI conducted raids at 13 locations across Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai, and Chennai.

A CBI spokesperson highlighted the organized nature of the trafficking network, emphasizing its widespread operations across several states in India.

The probe agency has booked 24x7 RAS Overseas Foundation in Delhi and its director Suyash Mukut, O S D Bros Travels and Visa Services Pvt Ltd in Mumbai and its director Rakesh Pandey, Adventure Visa Services Pvt Ltd in Chandigarh and its director Manjeet Singh, and Baba Vlogs Overseas Recruitment Solutions Pvt Ltd in Dubai and its director Faisal Abdul Mutalib Khan alias Baba among others.

The CBI raids resulted in the seizure of cash exceeding Rs 50 lakh, along with incriminating documents, electronic records, laptops, mobile phones, desktops, and CCTV footage.

(With inputs from PTI)