In a collaborative effort to combat human trafficking and cybercrime, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, working closely with the Cambodian Ministry of Interior, has successfully rescued 67 Indian nationals who fell victim to fraudulent job scams in Cambodia. This operation highlights the ongoing struggle against deceptive job offers that have ensnared numerous individuals into exploitative cybercrime activities.
The rescue operation took place on September 22nd in Poipet, Cambodia, following specific leads provided by the Indian Embassy. Cambodian police swiftly intervened, liberating the 67 Indian citizens from their exploitative circumstances. The Embassy is now actively facilitating their repatriation in batches, ensuring a smooth and safe return journey for the victims. A dedicated team of Embassy officials is overseeing the repatriation efforts, providing support and guidance to the returning nationals at the airport. As of October 1, 2024, 39 individuals have already returned to India, with the remaining 28 expected to arrive in the coming days.
The cyber work scam prevalent in Cambodia targets Indian nationals with promises of legitimate employment opportunities, often in fields like data entry. However, upon arrival, victims are coerced into participating in illegal cyber activities, such as creating fake social media profiles and engaging in fraudulent schemes to deceive unsuspecting individuals. These individuals are subjected to exploitation, facing threats of withheld basic necessities, including food and accommodation, if they fail to meet the targets set by the perpetrators.
The issue of fake job scams in Cambodia came to light after the Rourkela Police in Odisha dismantled a cyber-crime syndicate in December 2023, leading to the arrest of eight individuals allegedly involved in trafficking people to Cambodia.
Indian nationals currently trapped in job scams in Cambodia and seeking to return to India can contact the Indian Embassy through their emergency hotline: +85592881676. They can also reach out via email at cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in and visa.phnompenh@mea.gov.in, or contact the Cambodian hotline at +85592686969.
Since January 2022, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh has facilitated the repatriation of over 1,000 Indian citizens, with nearly 770 repatriated in the first nine months of 2024. It is estimated that over 5,000 Indians have been lured into illegal cyber work scams in Cambodia. This successful rescue operation is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Indian Embassy and Cambodian authorities, demonstrating their commitment to protecting Indian citizens and combating transnational crime.
