Indian Embassy Rescues 47 Cyber Slaves From Dating Scam Operations

The Indian Embassy in Laos successfully rescued 47 Indian nationals who had been coerced into working as “cyber slaves” in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province. They were forced to participate in online scams targeting people in India, as announced today by the Indian Embassy.

Embassy of India successfully rescues 47 Indians trapped in cyberscam centres in Golden Triangle SEZ of Lao PDR. Detailed press release below: pic.twitter.com/Ap4BTJYP7c

— India in Laos (@IndianEmbLaos) August 31, 2024

The Golden Triangle SEZ, located at the confluence of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, has become notorious for illegal activities, including cyber fraud. Indian nationals have increasingly been lured to this region with false promises of jobs, as reported by the Financial Express (FE).

Upon arrival, their passports are confiscated, trapping them in a foreign country with no means of escape. They are then compelled to operate in cyber scam centers, often impersonating as women on dating apps to deceive victims into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.

Those who fail to meet daily targets often face harsh consequences, including deprivation of food and rest, as reported by NDTV.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of exploitation that the Indian government is actively working to combat. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently raised the issue of Indian nationals being trafficked into cyber slavery during a discussion with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, said the FE.

In this latest rescue, 29 individuals were handed over to the embassy by Lao authorities following a crackdown on illegal activities in the Golden Triangle SEZ. Another 18 individuals sought help directly from the embassy, notes the FE.

Embassy officials traveled from Vientiane to Bokeo to coordinate with local authorities, ensuring the safe transfer of these prisoners to the capital.

Upon their arrival in Vientiane, the rescued nationals were provided with essential care, including accommodations and food. Indian Ambassador to Laos Prashant Agrawal personally met with the group to discuss their experiences and guide them through the process of returning to India, as reported by the FE.

The embassy has completed the necessary formalities with Lao authorities to facilitate their repatriation. As of now, 30 of the 47 rescued nationals have either returned to India or are in the process of doing so, with the remaining 17 awaiting final travel arrangements, said the FE.

The Embassy has issued a stern advisory to Indian nationals considering job opportunities in Laos, urging them to exercise caution and thoroughly verify offers to avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes.

The advisory, available on the Embassy’s official website, includes detailed guidelines and encourages individuals to reach out to the Embassy if they have any concerns about job offers.

Please see our updated Advisory below, regarding fake job racket targeting Indian youth. More details at https://t.co/YAPkjZaOEo.
We are also working closely with concerned authorities for safety and rescue of Indian nationals who fall victim to such crime syndicates. pic.twitter.com/1JON5Fakhv

— India in Myanmar (@IndiainMyanmar) June 3, 2024