Cyber Crime
Indian Authorities Issue Advisory for Job Seekers Heading to Cambodia
Indians lured by fake jobs in Cambodia fall into cybercrime traps. Govt warns against scams, aids victims. Recent arrests highlight global cyber threat
NEW DELHI: Indian nationals seeking employment opportunities abroad, particularly in Cambodia, are being warned against falling prey to lucrative job offers that turn out to be scams orchestrated by human traffickers. These traffickers lure individuals with the promise of high-paying jobs, only to coerce them into participating in online financial scams and other illegal activities.
The Indian government, through its Ministry of External Affairs and the Mission in Phnom Penh, is actively working with Cambodian authorities to tackle this pressing issue. Indian citizens are urged to ensure any overseas employment is sought through legitimate channels and to thoroughly verify the credentials of any prospective employers in Cambodia.
“It has come to attention that Indian nationals, lured by fake promises of lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia, are falling into the trap of human traffickers. These Indian nationals are coerced to undertake online financial scams and other illegal activities,” MEA said in its advisory.
It further added Indian nationals intending to visit Cambodia for employment are cautioned to do so only through authorized agents. It is also advised that the background of the prospective employer in Cambodia is checked thoroughly.
This warning comes in the wake of recent arrests that highlight the severity of the cybercrime network targeting Indian nationals. Rourkela Police successfully apprehended Harish Kurapati and Naga Venkata Sowjanya Kurapati, key players in an international cybercrime syndicate, upon their return from Cambodia. Their capture at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, marks a critical step in combating cybercrime that spans across borders.
The arrests stem from an extensive investigation initiated in January 2024, after a senior officer in the Central government reported a substantial financial fraud. The operation, led by Upasana Padhi, OPS, SDPO Panposh, revealed a complex web of cyber slavery, stock fraud, and threats to national security, with connections tracing back to Cambodia.
The syndicate employed sophisticated tactics, including the use of dating apps to establish trust with victims before enticing them into fraudulent investment schemes. This revelation underscores the growing challenge of cybercrime and the need for international cooperation to counter such threats.
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Moreover, a related incident uncovered by Mumbai Police exposed a fake job racket that deceived Indian youths with high-paying job offers in Thailand, only to smuggle them into Laos for forced labor in cybercrime operations. A victim’s harrowing escape and subsequent FIR have shed light on the dark reality of these scams, where individuals are manipulated, exploited, and left stranded far from home without pay.
Cross-Border Cooperation Needed to Combat Human Trafficking
These cases highlight the growing threat of human trafficking targeting Indian nationals in Southeast Asia. The Indian government is working closely with Cambodian and Laotian authorities to address the issue and provide assistance to victims.
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Staying Safe: Tips for Job Seekers
- Exercise caution with online job offers: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media or unverified websites.
- Research the company: Verify the legitimacy of the company offering the job in Cambodia or Thailand. You can contact the Indian embassy in the respective country for assistance.
- Never share personal information: Avoid sharing passport details or financial information with unknown entities.
- Inform family and friends: Keep your family and friends informed about your travel plans and contact details when traveling abroad for work.
By following these steps and remaining vigilant, Indian nationals can protect themselves from falling prey to human trafficking scams.