NEW DELHI: India repatriated 6,720 nationals allegedly exploited in online scam operations across Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos by December 2025, according to the US 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report.
According to an ANI report, the US report acknowledged India’s increased efforts to tackle human trafficking but retained the country in Tier 2, noting progress in enforcement, victim protection and the use of technology.
The report highlighted the expansion of India’s anti-trafficking infrastructure, with 827 Anti-Human Trafficking Units operational in 2025. It also noted the launch of an AI-based tool in January 2026 to identify trafficking hotspots, vulnerable children and organised crime networks.
Separately, the Ministry of Home Affairs has urged states and Union Territories to strengthen implementation of India’s criminal laws, improve investigations and increase coordination between agencies. An August 28 advisory called for better use of digital evidence, forensic tools and monitoring of online job portals and social media to detect fraudulent overseas recruitment schemes.
The ministry also stressed the need for fully staffed anti-trafficking units, specialised prosecutors and faster trials. Such measures aim to address organised networks that lure Indians with false job offers and force them into criminal activities, including online scams.
The US report’s findings underline the continuing challenge of protecting vulnerable people from trafficking and exploitation, particularly through deceptive overseas employment opportunities.
