Cyber Slavery: Bihar Police Probe 1,600 Residents Staying Illegally in Southeast Asia

Bihar Police have launched a large-scale investigation into nearly 1,600 residents believed to be staying illegally in several Southeast Asian countries after the expiry of their visas, amid growing concerns over their alleged links to international cyber fraud and human trafficking networks.

Officials of the Cyber Crime and Security Cell said many of these individuals are suspected of helping organised criminal syndicates recruit youths from Bihar into so-called cyber slavery operations run from countries including Cambodia , Myanmar , Thailand , Vietnam , and Laos .

Cyber slavery refers to a form of human trafficking in which victims are lured abroad through fake job offers, confined in scam compounds, and forced to carry out online fraud under threats of violence. Victims are often subjected to passport confiscation , physical intimidation, and restricted movement, according to law enforcement agencies and international investigations.

Inspector General of Police Ranjeet Kumar Mishra said an analysis conducted by the Cyber Crime and Security Cell showed that a significant number of cyber frauds targeting Indians originate from Southeast Asian countries where such scam centres are operating. Police are now collecting records and travel details of around 1,600 Bihar residents who travelled to these countries and failed to return after their visas expired.

Officials said investigators are also tracking the role of 39 suspected agents accused of arranging overseas travel and fake employment opportunities for youths from Bihar. Authorities believe some overstayers may now be actively assisting criminal groups in recruiting more victims into cyber scam operations.

Recent investigations by central agencies have also highlighted the existence of transnational cybercrime hubs in Southeast Asia where trafficked individuals are allegedly forced to participate in phishing, financial fraud, and online scam activities targeting people across the world.

The Cyber Crime and Security Cell has urged youngsters to verify foreign job offers carefully and avoid unregistered recruitment agents promising lucrative employment abroad.