In a significant rescue operation, the Indian Embassy in Laos successfully freed 47 Indian nationals who had been forced to work in cyber scam centers in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province. This latest operation highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and exploitation in the region.
47 Rescued, 29 Handed Over to The Embassy
According to a statement from the Indian Embassy, the rescue involved a coordinated effort with local Lao authorities. Of the 47 individuals rescued, 29 were handed over to the Embassy by Laos authorities following their crackdown on illegal activities in the Golden Triangle SEZ. The remaining 18 had approached the Embassy on their own, seeking urgent help.
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, 2024Traffickers Lure Individuals With False Job Promises
The Golden Triangle SEZ, located at the convergence of Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, is notorious for illegal operations, including cyber scams. These scams often involve traffickers luring individuals with false job promises, only to trap them in exploitative conditions.
EAM Jaishankar Addresses The Issue
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue of trafficking with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone last month, underlining the seriousness of the problem. The traffickers typically offer enticing job opportunities to Indians, but upon arrival, victims have their passports confiscated and are forced to work under harsh conditions. They are made to create fake social media profiles, chat with potential victims, and convince them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
Rescued Individual Shares Details
One of the rescued individuals described the grim situation, “We were forced to work long hours without rest and were punished if we failed to meet daily targets. Many of us ended up in these scam centers with the promise of a better life, only to find ourselves trapped.” Furthermore, This rescue is part of a broader initiative by the Indian Embassy, which has now saved 635 Indians from similar situations in Laos. Last month, the Embassy also successfully rescued 13 individuals from cyber scam centers.
Rescued Individuals Being Sent Back Home
The Embassy’s efforts included arranging safe transportation for the rescued individuals from Bokeo to Vientiane, where they were provided with accommodation and food. Indian Ambassador to Laos, Prashant Agrawal, personally met with the rescued nationals to discuss their experiences and guide them through the process of returning to India. Currently, 30 of the 47 rescued individuals have returned to India or are in the final stages of their journey home.
Embassy Issues Advisory
The Embassy has issued a strong advisory to Indian nationals regarding job offers in Laos and Cambodia, urging them to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of job opportunities to avoid falling victim to such schemes. This advisory is available on the Embassy’s official website and encourages individuals to contact 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