The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two key individuals involved in a human trafficking syndicate that facilitated illegal entry into the United States through the infamous ‘dunki’ route, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The accused have been identified as:
Sunny, alias Sunny Donker, of Dharamshala in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
Shubham Sandhal, alias Deep Hundi, a native of Ropar, Punjab, currently residing in Peeragarhi, Outer Delhi
Their arrests followed raids at separate locations in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh, the NIA said in an official statement.
The duo is alleged to be close associates of Gagandeep Singh, alias Goldy, a resident of Tilak Nagar in Delhi, who was arrested in March 2025 after a victim lodged a complaint alleging deportation from the U.S. after being trafficked via the dunki route.
According to the NIA, Gagandeep charged approximately ₹45 lakh per person, promising legal travel to the U.S., but instead routed victims through an illegal and perilous journey via countries including Spain, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. He allegedly facilitated the illegal migration of over 100 individuals.
Sunny, described as Gagandeep’s main “donker” or operative, was instrumental in organizing the illicit travel route. Victims were subjected to physical and mental abuse during their journey, often exploited by agents for additional money.
Shubham Sandhal was identified as a hawala courier, responsible for the illegal transfer of funds to traffickers stationed in Latin America. He facilitated the flow of extorted money collected from victims to foreign operatives.
The NIA had earlier filed a chargesheet against Gagandeep on June 27, detailing the workings of the organized trafficking network.
The term ‘dunki’, derived from “donkey”, refers to unauthorized migration routes used by individuals to enter foreign countries, especially the United States, without valid documentation. These paths often involve long, dangerous journeys, orchestrated by trafficking syndicates and middlemen.
The NIA took over the case from the Punjab Police on March 13, 2025, and continues to investigate the larger trafficking network that stretches from India to Latin America.
Officials said more arrests and revelations are expected as the probe widens.
