Nepal Police Proposes Anti-Cyber Scam Cell to Combat Evolving Human Trafficking

Kathmandu. Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki has stated that the Nepal Police has moved forward with a proposal to establish an 'Anti-Cyber Scam Cell' under the Cyber Bureau to address the changing and modern forms of human trafficking.

Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Tuesday on the occasion of World Human Trafficking Day, Inspector General Karki provided this information. Inspector General Karki stated that in recent times, human trafficking has transformed from its traditional form into 'cyber slavery' and 'forced criminality' occurring through digital platforms.

He expressed concern over the increasing trend of luring people with attractive job offers, taking them abroad, holding them captive, and engaging them in online fraud and cybercrime. In the last three years, 530 cases related to human trafficking and smuggling have been registered. Out of a total of 710 victims, 86 percent are women and children.

In rescue operations conducted from Southeast Asia and India, 87 percent have been women and children. However, there has been a significant increase in the number of male victims as well. He informed that according to a United Nations report, Nepal is among the top four countries affected by human trafficking in South Asia.

Inspector General Karki stated that future investigations will not only be limited to identifying the crime and the perpetrator but will also include investigating the physical, mental, and financial damages to the victim. He mentioned that as Nepalis are scattered in various countries worldwide for foreign employment, there is a need for police attachés in Gulf countries, Europe, America, and Malaysia, similar to India, for their security and legal facilitation.