The Government of India has successfully repatriated 283 Indian nationals who were lured into Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, under false job promises and subsequently forced into cybercrime activities. The evacuation was carried out with the help of Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, culminating in their return abroad on an Indian Air Force aircraft from Mae Sot, Thailand.
The repatriation follows weeks of diplomatic coordination by Indian missions in the region. Victims of these fraudulent employment schemes were trapped in scam centres operating along the Myanmar- Thailand border.
These individuals were coerced into cyber fraud, primarily targeting foreign victims, under the control of organised crime syndicates.
“Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand have coordinated with local authorities to secure the repatriation of 283 Indian nationals today by an IAF aircraft from Mae Sot in Thailand,” confirmed the Indian government.
Government officials confirmed that the rescued individuals had been subjected to harsh working conditions, with their passports confiscated and threats of violence used to prevent escape. Indian embassies worked closely with local authorities in Myanmar and Thailand to facilitate their release and safe return.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its warnings to Indian nationals regarding such deceptive job offers, emphasising the need for caution when seeking employment abroad.
Cybersecurity experts have urged job seekers to verify the credentials of foreign employers via Indian missions overseas and thoroughly check recruitment agencies before accepting job offers.
In its latest advisory, the MEA has highlighted the increasing prevalence of such human trafficking operations in Southeast Asia and called for stronger vigilance among Indian job seekers.
Last month, 70 Indians were rescued from KK Park cybercrime hub in Myanmar. KK Park is a notorious place known for its cybercrime operations. The rescued individuals were from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and others.
In a similar operation, the Indian Embassy in Laos managed to rescue 53 Indian youths trapped in cyber crime operations located within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Last year, about 250 Indians trapped in Cambodia were rescued.
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