Madhya Pradesh State Cyber Police Headquarters, Bhopal, has issued an important public advisory warning job seekers—particularly youth—against falling prey to cyber slavery rackets operating under the guise of overseas job opportunities. The alert, released on 22 April 2025, exposes a disturbing trend in which Indian nationals are being deceived with fake job offers in Southeast Asian countries and later forced into illegal cybercrime activities.
These cyber slavery cases are reported to be highly organized, leveraging modern tools, psychological manipulation, and threats to coerce victims into becoming unwilling participants in cyber fraud networks.
How the Cyber Slavery Scam Operates
According to the advisory, cybercriminal syndicates target ambitious young Indians through fake international job offers advertised on platforms like social media, fake job portals, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Victims are promised high-paying roles in countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, particularly in the IT and marketing sectors.
Once abroad, victims are subjected to severe exploitation:
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Their passports are often seized.
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They are forced to conduct online scams, including phishing, sextortion, and investment fraud.
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Attempts to resist or escape are met with threats of violence and psychological trauma.
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Family members back home are also threatened or blackmailed.
This modern-day cyber trafficking is termed “cyber slavery” and involves digital coercion, often facilitated through sophisticated manipulation tactics.
Precautions Issued by Cyber Police
The Madhya Pradesh Cyber Police has outlined a set of precautionary measures to prevent such crimes:
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Never accept overseas job offers received through unverified social media accounts or suspicious platforms.
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Avoid rushing abroad without verifying the legitimacy of employment through Indian embassies or official sources.
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Before traveling, confirm the authenticity of foreign recruiters with the help of Indian embassies or consult recruitment verification databases.
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Before accepting or promoting any overseas job, check both the company’s background and their regional agents or placement services.
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Report any suspected case of cyber slavery or a person being forced into cybercrime to the nearest police station, the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in, or the cybercrime helpline at 1930.
The advisory also emphasizes raising community awareness, particularly among families of youths planning to work abroad, urging them to investigate job offers thoroughly and educate others about the growing threat of cyber exploitation under the pretext of employment.
A National Wake-Up Call Amid Rising Cases
This warning from the Madhya Pradesh Cyber Police aligns with rising national concern over India’s growing victim count in cyber slavery rings, particularly in scam centers located in Southeast Asia. In many such cases, victims were initially unaware of the criminal nature of their employment until it was too late.
The government has urged coordination between Indian embassies, police forces, and immigration authorities to strengthen verification systems and protect citizens from falling into these traps.
The message is clear: what appears to be a golden opportunity abroad could very well be a digital prison—one from which escape is costly, traumatic, and legally complex.
Authorities advise the public to remain vigilant, spread awareness, and immediately report any suspicious activity.