In a significant operation, the Indian Embassy in Laos successfully rescued 47 Indians who were trapped in cyber scam centres located in Bokeo province, part of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This rescue, reported on Saturday, is part of a larger effort by Indian authorities, who have so far assisted in rescuing a total of 635 Indians from Laos.
The embassy’s statement revealed that 29 of the rescued individuals were handed over by Laos authorities following a crackdown on illegal activities within the Golden Triangle SEZ. The remaining 18 had approached the embassy for help, seeking assistance after falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
According to reports, the scammers employed a method where they impersonated women on dating apps to engage potential victims. After gaining their trust, they would convince these targets to invest in cryptocurrency trading, leading to significant financial losses. Many victims from India were deceived in this manner. Those trapped in these scam centres were reportedly subjected to harsh conditions, including deprivation of food and rest if they failed to meet daily targets.
The Indian Embassy has issued a strong advisory to its nationals, cautioning them against accepting “fake job offers” in Laos. The advisory emphasizes the importance of thorough verification before accepting any job offer and encourages individuals to consult the embassy if they have any doubts.
In response to these incidents, the Indian Embassy has urged the Laos government to take action against those involved in these illegal activities. Embassy officials traveled from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to Bokeo to coordinate with local authorities for the rescue operation. Indian Ambassador to Laos, Prashant Agrawal, met with the rescued individuals to discuss their experiences and provide guidance on their next steps.
The embassy has already arranged for the repatriation of the rescued individuals, with 30 having returned to India or currently en route. The remaining 17 are awaiting final travel arrangements and are expected to depart soon.
The Indian Embassy’s statement underscored its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also addressed the issue of Indian nationals being trafficked into cyber scam centres during his visit to Laos.
In addition to this rescue, the embassy had previously assisted in the return of 13 Indians who were also lured into cyber scam centres in Laos. The embassy continues to work diligently to protect its citizens and combat such fraudulent activities.
Sources By Agencies