CBI busts human trafficking network sending Indians to Russia-Ukraine war zone

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a significant human trafficking network that deceived Indians into traveling to the war zone between Russia and Ukraine under the guise of providing lucrative jobs abroad. The agency is currently conducting searches at more than 10 locations across seven cities as part of its investigation.

FIR Registered Against Visa Consultancy Firms and Agents

Officials have revealed that the CBI has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against various visa consultancy firms and agents involved in the trafficking scheme. During the searches, several individuals have been detained, and an amount of Rs 50 lakh has been seized.


The CBI is conducting searches across Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. The officials said the agency has registered an FIR against various visa consultancy firms and agents.

Tragic Death of Indian in Conflict Zone

This development follows the tragic death of Mohammed Afsan, a 30-year-old man from Hyderabad, who was allegedly misled into joining the Russian army and was killed in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Afsan is the second Indian casualty in the conflict, following the death of Hamil Mangukiya from Surat about a week ago.

Efforts to Bring Stranded Indians Back Home

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had issued a warning last month to Indian citizens about the dangers of being recruited for support roles in the Russian army. The MEA has also been in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safe return of around 20 Indians who are still stranded in Russia.

Government's Response and Efforts

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued warnings to Indian citizens about the dangers of being recruited for support roles in the Russian army. The MEA has also been in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safe return of around 20 Indians who are still stranded in Russia. Additionally, the Punjab government has urged the MEA to provide assistance to Indian youth forcibly inducted into the Russian military, emphasizing the need for immediate action to bring them back home safely.

Calls for Action and Caution

Mohammad Sufiyan's case, where he was allegedly deceived by agents and drafted into fighting for Russia, underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and actions against such fraudulent practices. Families of affected individuals are urging the central government and the MEA to intervene, evacuate the trapped youth, and take strict action against the agents responsible.

Punjab govt appeals for help for Indians trapped in conflict zones

Citing media reports of Indian youth being "forcibly inducted" into the Russian Military and sent to the Ukraine war, the Punjab government has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to provide assistance for their safe return.

Punjab NRIs Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh AAP raised the issue with the External Affairs Ministry and the Russian Ambassador to India, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The majority of these youths, who went to Russia on visitor visas, were allegedly coerced into the Russian military, with one reported death during the war.

Minister Dhaliwal emphasized the need for immediate resolution, demanding appropriate action against violators of Visa Norms or the Immigration Act. He also urged the Union Government to intervene and bring back the bodies of the deceased youth. The Punjab government's letter to the MEA included news reports about Indian youths, especially from Punjab, who were forcefully inducted into Russian Military Services while visiting Russia as tourists.

The CBI's action against the human trafficking network highlights the dangers faced by unsuspecting Indians who are lured into dangerous situations under false pretenses. The government's efforts to bring back those stranded in conflict zones are commendable, emphasizing the importance of caution and vigilance when seeking employment opportunities abroad.