Migrant trafficking is surging worldwide, with a growing number of Indian migrants risking everything in search of a better life in the West. Many embark on the perilous "Donkey Route," a vast network of dangerous pathways and illegal border crossings stretching through Iran, Turkey, and Greece. Along the way, they face relentless extortion, violence, and exploitation, trapped in a cycle of debt and danger orchestrated by ruthless traffickers.

With exclusive access, this documentary follows several migrants as they navigate this treacherous journey, revealing the hidden realities of their desperate quest for safety and opportunity. From covert crossings in the dead of night to perilous encounters with authorities, we witness first-hand the physical and emotional toll of this modern-day migration crisis. Survivors recount harrowing ordeals, exposing the human cost of a system that preys on vulnerability and false hope.

Beyond the individual stories, the film uncovers the vast criminal network profiting from this illicit trade. Smugglers, middlemen, and corrupt officials operate a billion-dollar industry, exploiting those willing to risk everything for a new beginning. Through gripping storytelling and unparalleled access, Desperate Dreams shines a light on the shadowy underworld of human trafficking and the desperate choices migrants are forced to make.

Part of the award-winning series Undercover Asia.