India rescues 540 nationals duped into cyberfraud racket in southeast Asia

“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 indicate that many were held against their will, threatened with violence, and left with no means to escape.

The Myanmar military played a crucial role in rescuing the trafficked individuals, after which Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand worked closely with local authorities to facilitate their safe return. Thai authorities assisted in transferring them to Mae Sot, from where they were flown to India.

In response to the growing number of such cases, the Indian government has once again urged citizens to remain cautious 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.

The Golden Triangle, a region where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar intersect, has become a hotspot for organised cybercrime networks. Many victims are trapped in fake call centres that exploit foreign workers.

As law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts to dismantle these criminal networks, the government continues to warn Indian citizens against falling prey to similar fraudulent job offers.