Cyber Crime
Escape from Cyber Hell: How 14 Indians Were Rescued from Cambodian Scam Centers
Indian authorities rescue 14 nationals from Cambodian cybercrime scams; victims were trafficked, forced into fraud, and extorted. Arrests made, highlighting severe abuse and international cooperation.
NEW DELHI: The Indian government has ramped up efforts to combat cyber job scams targeting its citizens in Southeast Asian countries. The Embassy of India recently rescued 14 Indian nationals from cybercrime job scams in Cambodia, marking a crucial step in the ongoing battle against these fraudulent operations.
Indian Embassy officials in Cambodia interacted with 14 Indian nationals to understand their story and ways to break cybercriminals nexus. The Embassy expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Cambodian authorities for their unwavering cooperation and continuous assistance in these rescue efforts.
Embassy of India interacted with 14 🇮🇳 nationals rescued from cybercrime job scams, thanks to the Cambodian authorities for their cooperation. Together, we fight against cybercrime and protect our citizens. @devyani_K @JaideepMazumder @IndianDiplomacy @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/daIk3uiiwz
— India in Cambodia (@indembcam) July 31, 2024
Diplomatic Efforts and International Cooperation
Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, has taken the lead in addressing this issue at the highest levels of government. In a recent tweet, he revealed, “During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, I took up the issue of trafficking Indian nationals through cyber scam centers.” Dr. Jaishankar also engaged in discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, underscoring the Indian government’s commitment to resolving this problem through diplomatic channels.
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The Indian Embassy has expressed gratitude towards Cambodian authorities for their continuous assistance in rescuing Indian citizens trapped in these scams. This cooperation highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling transnational crimes.
During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers.
Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens.
Also discussed the matter with the Foreign…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 27, 2024
Crackdown on Trafficking Networks
Law enforcement agencies across India have been making major strides in dismantling the networks responsible for these scams:
- Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) Operation: The TGCSB recently arrested Mohammed Shadab Alam, a 30-year-old resident of Bihar, at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Alam is believed to be a key agent in a scheme smuggling youth from Telangana to Cambodia for fake call centers engaged in financial fraud. The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by A. Shiva Prasad’s mother on May 16, implicating Alam along with K. Sai Prasad and Mohammed Abid Hussain Ansari. The gang allegedly collected ₹1.40 lakh from Shiva, promising him a job in Cambodia. Sai Prasad and Ansari were arrested earlier in connection with this case.
- Punjab Police Cyber Crime Division Action: In early July, the Punjab Police’s Cyber Crime Division arrested two Mohali travel agents, Amarjeet Singh (owner of Visa Palace Immigration) and his accomplice Gurjodh Singh. The duo was involved in trafficking people from Punjab to Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries under the guise of offering lucrative data entry jobs.
Modus Operandi of the Scams
Law enforcement officers shed light on how these scams operate:
- Agents lure job seekers with promises of high-paying overseas employment.
- They collect substantial sums from victims, claiming these are for processing fees, registration, and visa charges.
- Victims are sent to Cambodia, where Chinese handlers force them into cyber criminal activities.
- Any resistance is met with physical violence and confinement.
- After months of exploitation, handlers extort more money from victims by threatening their lives and demanding payment in bitcoins.
Another senior officer added that upon arrival in Siam Reap, Cambodia, victims’ passports are confiscated, and they are coerced into working at cyber scamming call centers targeting Indian citizens for financial fraud.
Impact on Victims
These scams have far-reaching consequences for the victims:
- Financial Exploitation: Victims lose significant amounts of money to fraudulent fees and extortion.
- Psychological Trauma: The experience of being trapped and forced into criminal activities takes a severe mental toll.
- Physical Abuse: Many victims face violence and confinement when they resist or question their handlers.
- Legal Jeopardy: Victims may find themselves on the wrong side of the law in foreign countries.
Government’s Multi-Pronged Approach
The Indian government is tackling this issue through various means:
- Diplomatic Engagement: High-level discussions with affected countries to facilitate rescue operations and prevention.
- Law Enforcement: Coordinated efforts by cyber crime units across different states to arrest key players in these trafficking networks.
- Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to educate potential job seekers about the risks of such scams.
- International Cooperation: Working with foreign governments to dismantle these criminal networks and rescue victims.
As investigations continue, authorities strongly urge job seekers to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify any overseas job offers before pursuing them. The government’s proactive stance and the recent successes in rescuing victims and arresting perpetrators offer hope in the fight against these dangerous cyber job scams.