Two Haryana men lured with Spain job promises, now held in Iran
Two young men from Haryana’s Karnal district were promised lucrative employment opportunities in Spain, only to find themselves trapped in Iran. According to a police complaint filed by their families, the men were allegedly abducted by traffickers who deceived them with offers of work abroad. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing dangers of international labor trafficking and the difficulties victims face when seeking help across borders.
What the families allege
The families say they received information that the two men were lured through fake recruitment networks that promised legitimate jobs in Spain. Instead, the men reportedly ended up in Iran, where they are said to be held captive. The complainants claim that traffickers are torturing the captives and, in a chilling twist, threatening to sell their kidneys if a ransom is not paid. While authorities have not publicly confirmed every detail, the police complaint underscores grave concerns about safety and exploitation in cross-border recruitment schemes.
Authorities’ role and ongoing investigation
Local law enforcement has acknowledged the filing of the complaint and has begun an investigation into potential human trafficking and cross-border abduction. Special attention is being paid to the routes used by recruitment agents, the networks involved, and the communication links between the victims and their families. Officials say they are coordinating with national agencies and international partners to locate the men, ensure their safety, and bring those responsible to justice.
Why this case matters
Labor trafficking remains a global concern, with vulnerable workers often lured by promises of better pay and formal jobs abroad. Such schemes exploit financial hardship, lack of information, and weak border controls. When individuals disappear in one country and are held in another, families face prolonged distress and fear, and authorities must navigate complex jurisdictional barriers to secure help. This case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards for job seekers and clearer pathways for victim rescue and repatriation.
What victims and families can do next
Families are advised to stay in close contact with the police and share any new information that could assist the investigation. Victims’ rights groups emphasize the importance of documenting all communications with traffickers, preserving any travel or recruitment documents, and seeking support from legal aid services. In parallel, government agencies are urged to intensify cross-border cooperation, improve screening of recruitment agencies, and run public awareness campaigns about the risks of job offers abroad that come without verifiable credentials.
Call to action for authorities
Experts say cases like this require coordinated action: tracing recruitment chains, coordinating with international partners, and providing safety nets for potential victims. Authorities are urged to launch rapid reunification efforts, assist families with credible information, and ensure accountability for those behind such trafficking operations.
Related context
India has long stood against human trafficking, with laws and agencies dedicated to preventing and prosecuting such crimes. Vigilance at the recruitment stage, better information dissemination to prospective migrant workers, and robust support systems for returnees are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to counter international trafficking networks.
