Pakistani Youths Trapped Abroad in Rising Cross-Border Honey Trap Schemes

Three young men from Pakistan have fallen victim to a cross-border honey trap scam in Thailand, allegedly orchestrated by Indian nationals, shedding light on a growing and dangerous trend that exploits vulnerable youth seeking opportunities abroad. The victims, from the city of Sahiwal, were kidnapped shortly after arriving in Thailand and are now being held for ransom.

The victimsUsman Amin, Muhammad Ahmed, and Tajammul Shehzadtraveled to Thailand on May 26, 2025, lured by women they had reportedly been in communication with before their departure. Airline tickets were sent to them by the same individuals who maintained contact throughout their journey. According to their families, the young men were accompanied by a friend from Faisalabad and were abducted soon after their arrival. They were reportedly transported to the border region near Myanmar, where kidnappers demanded a ransom of PKR 10 million (roughly USD 36,000) for their release.

Concerns have been raised about the broader trafficking network involved. Witnesses claim the group was seen off by unidentified individuals at Lahore Airport, indicating possible local facilitators working with foreign counterparts. This isn’t an isolated incident—it’s part of a larger, coordinated human trafficking operation that preys on those desperate for employment and a better life.

Family members have publicly criticized Pakistan’s diplomatic response. They say the Pakistani Embassy in Thailand has failed to provide updates or offer substantial assistance, despite repeated pleas. The lack of urgency from the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has caused further distress for the victims’ families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been urged to intervene, as he did in previous trafficking cases, but no formal response has yet been made.

This case is part of a disturbing pattern. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)—Pakistan’s principal anti-human trafficking bodyhas recently arrested nine individuals as part of a broader crackdown on illegal visa and smuggling networks. The arrests took place in cities such as Gujranwala, Gujrat, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Mian Channu. Those detained were allegedly involved in enticing Pakistanis with false promises of overseas employment, often resulting in extortion or trafficking.

With Southeast Asia becoming a new hub for such scams, the involvement of Indian nationals in these criminal rings adds a complex geopolitical layer. Cross-border criminal cooperation, particularly in human trafficking and online exploitation, deserves serious attention from national security and foreign affairs bodies. It also calls for a reassessment of Pakistan’s immigration and cybercrime enforcement strategies.

Ultimately, the growing number of honey traps and trafficking cases serves as a warning. Pakistan’s youth, driven by economic hardship and limited domestic opportunity, are being targeted by sophisticated international networks. The state’s responseespecially under the current government been widely criticized for its sluggishness and lack of accountability. A stronger, swifter, and more coordinated approach is not only necessary’s long overdue.