Bihar tracks 1,600 people overstaying in Southeast Asia over 'cyber slavery' links

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 16, 2026 00:26 IST

Around 1,600 people hailing from Bihar, who have visited several Southeast Asian countries, are staying there even after expiry of their visas and are also trapping the youth from the state to make them work as cyber slaves, officials said on Friday.

Cyber slavery is a form of human trafficking where organised criminal networks lure jobseekers – often across international borders – and confine them. Victims have their passports confiscated and are forced to commit online fraud under the threat of violence.

"Analysis of data by the Cyber Crime and Security cell has revealed that most of the fraud committed by cyber slaves has its origin in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos," Inspector General of Police of Cyber Crime and Security cell of Bihar police, Ranjeet Kumar Mishra said.

"The police are collecting details of around 1,600 people from Bihar, who visited various Southeast Asian countries, but are still staying there even after expiry of their visas," Mishra told reporters here.

Another official of the Cell said there are reports that these people are trapping youth from the state in those countries to draft youth from Bihar into cyber scams.

"We are also gathering details about 39 agents indulging in such illegal activities," he added.

The Cell warned youngsters about the rise in job scams in Southeast Asia, urging caution and verification of job offers and agents.

- Ends