In a significant rescue operation, the Indian government has successfully brought back 540 Indian nationals who were misled by fake job offers and forced into cybercrime activities in Southeast Asia. The victims were trafficked into scam centres operating in Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, where they were coerced into participating in cyberfraud operations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that 283 rescued individuals have already returned to India on an Indian Air Force (IAF) flight from Mae Sot, Thailand. The remaining 257 individuals are scheduled to return on a second flight today. The victims were lured with promises of high-paying jobs but were instead forced into illegal online scams, primarily near the Myanmar-Thailand border.
“These persons were subsequently made to indulge in cybercrime and engage in other fraudulent activities in scam centres operating in regions along the Myanmar-Thailand border,” the MEA stated. Reports suggest that the victims were held against their will, subjected to threats of violence, and left with no means of escape.
Role of Myanmar and Thailand in Rescue Operation
The Myanmar military played a crucial role in the rescue effort, coordinating with Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand to ensure the victims’ safe release. Thai authorities assisted in transferring the rescued individuals to Mae Sot, from where they were flown back to India.
The MEA expressed gratitude to the governments of Myanmar and Thailand for their cooperation. The rescue operation underscores the growing threat posed by organised crime syndicates in the Golden Triangle—a region where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar intersect—known for illegal drug production and organised cybercrime.
Government Issues Fresh Warning on Foreign Job Offers
In response to the rising cases of human trafficking and forced cybercrime, the Indian government has renewed its advisory, urging citizens to exercise caution when accepting job offers abroad.
“Indian nationals are once again advised to verify the credentials of foreign employers through Indian missions abroad and check the antecedents of recruiting agents and companies before taking up a job offer,” the MEA warned.
Growing Threat of Cybercrime in the Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle has emerged as a hub for organised cybercrime networks. Victims are often trapped in fake call centres and forced to engage in scams targeting individuals and businesses worldwide. These operations involve complex networks of criminals who exploit foreign workers under duress.
As international law enforcement agencies increase their efforts to dismantle these criminal networks, the Indian government remains committed to protecting its citizens from similar threats and ensuring their safe return.
