New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations across Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in connection with an investigation into a human trafficking syndicate operating from India and Cambodia.

The raids are continuing at the premises linked to the suspects in close coordination with the state police forces, based on certain inputs against the syndicate.

The search operation, officials said, covered the residential premises of individuals who acted as Indian recruiters and agents and facilitated the trafficking of victims to Cambodia under the false pretext of providing overseas employment opportunities.

Officials in the ED told ANI that the syndicate is suspected to be involved in organised human trafficking, cyber fraud, and the laundering of proceeds of crime generated through these illegal activities.

ED said its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was initiated after recording an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) based on a First Information Report (FIR) and charge sheets filed by the Delhi Police.

Earlier in May, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it has charge sheeted five persons, including an absconding mastermind, in connection with a case of human trafficking and cyber slavery in Cambodia.

Anand Kumar Singh alias Munna Singh, the mastermind, along with four co-accused, have been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the chargesheet filed before the NIA special court in Patna (Bihar).

Three of the chargesheeted co-accused, Abhay Nath Dubey and Rohit Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, and Abhiranjan Kumar from Bihar, were arrested in February this year on their arrival in the national capital from Cambodia. The fifth, identified as Prahlad Kumar Singh, is out on bail.

NIA said the accused were involved in 'luring Indian youth to Cambodia on the pretext of legitimate jobs and handsome salaries, as part of an organised human trafficking syndicate.'

'The victims' passports were seized, and they were forced to work for scam companies in Cambodia, with any resistance on their part met with mental and physical torture, including electric shocks, forceful confinement, denial of food and water, etc.,' the NIA said in a statement.

NIA investigations found Anand to be the kingpin, involved in the recruitment of youth through various sub-agents and travel agents in India.'Anand was working with associates in Cambodia to illegally traffic the victims to that country. He was charging USD 2,000-3,000 for each youth 'sold' to a fake company,' said the NIA.

NIA further said its investigation to trace other members of the syndicate and unravel the complete conspiracy in the case (RC 10/2024/NIA/DLI) is continuing. (ANI)