NIA Busts 'Dunki' Syndicate: Two Key Players Nabbed in Human Trafficking Crackdown
With the latest arrests, the NIA continues its probe to unravel the full extent of this illicit network
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has struck a major blow against an international human trafficking ring, arresting two pivotal figures involved in smuggling individuals to the United States via the notorious 'dunki' route, officials announced on Saturday.
Following targeted raids in Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, the NIA apprehended Sunny, alias Sunny Donker, from Dharamshala in Kangra district, and Shubham Sandhal, alias Deep Hundi, from Ropar, Punjab, residing in Peeragarhi, Outer Delhi. The arrests, made on Friday, mark a significant step in dismantling a syndicate exploiting vulnerable migrants.
The duo were close associates of Gagandeep Singh, alias Goldy, arrested in March 2025 following a victim's complaint. The victim, trafficked to the US via the 'dunki' route and deported in February, exposed the syndicate’s operations. 'Dunki,' a term derived from 'donkey,' describes the perilous, illegal migration path to countries like the US, often orchestrated by human trafficking networks.
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NIA’s investigation revealed that Gagandeep, a Tilak Nagar resident, charged victims approximately Rs 45 lakh, promising legal US visas. Instead, he sent them on grueling journeys through countries like Spain, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Over 100 individuals were trafficked this way before his arrest, the agency stated.
Sunny played a critical role in facilitating these illegal crossings, while Shubham operated as a hawala courier, funneling funds to 'donkers'—agents in Latin America who further exploited victims for profit. The NIA highlighted that victims endured physical and mental harassment during their journeys.
The agency, which took over the case from Punjab Police on March 13, 2025, filed a chargesheet against Gagandeep on June 27. With the latest arrests, the NIA continues its probe to unravel the full extent of this illicit network, signaling a strong stance against human trafficking.
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