The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has revealed a disturbing scheme where Indian students, lured with promises of discounted fees and visa extensions, were sent to dubious private universities in Russia. Upon arrival, these individuals were left vulnerable to agents and college authorities who seized their passports and coerced them into participating in the Ukraine war alongside Russian forces.

Investigation Details

• Fraudulent Practices: Agents, including those based in Russia, allegedly deceived Indian students with enticing offers and sent them to obscure Russian universities under false pretenses.
• Exploitation: Upon arrival, passports were confiscated, and individuals were compelled to undergo military training and deployed to combat zones without their consent.
• Extent of Trafficking: One agency from Delhi alone reportedly sent around 180 individuals to Russia, primarily on student visas, prompting further investigation into the involvement of embassy personnel.

Legal Action

• FIR: The CBI has filed a First Information Report (FIR) outlining the elaborate trafficking operation orchestrated by various individuals and agencies across India and Russia.
• Accused Entities: Several companies and individuals, including M/s24x7 RAS Overseas Foundation and its director Suyash Mukut, along with others, are implicated in the trafficking network.

Human Cost

• Victim Impact: Many individuals suffered grave injuries in the war zone, highlighting the dire consequences of their forced involvement.
• Ministry Response: The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that approximately 20 Indians, working as support staff with the Russian Army, sought assistance after being coerced into the conflict.

Organized Network

• Operational Tactics: Traffickers utilized social media platforms and local agents to entice victims with lucrative job opportunities in Russia, exploiting their aspirations for a better life.
• Cross-Border Network: The trafficking network spans multiple states in India and involves coordination with individuals based in Russia and Dubai.

Conclusion

The CBI’s investigation has shed light on a reprehensible trafficking scheme that preys on the aspirations of Indian citizens, exploiting them for illicit gains and endangering their lives in conflict zones. Swift and decisive action is essential to dismantle this organized network and ensure justice for the victims.

Source: Indian Express