In a significant operation, the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, working with Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, rescued 67 Indian nationals trapped in fraudulent job scams. This highlights the growing issue of fake job offers that lure victims into cybercrime activities in scam compounds across Cambodia.
Rescue Operation and Repatriation Efforts
On September 22, acting on leads from the Indian Embassy, Cambodian police conducted a rescue mission in Poipet, liberating 67 Indians from exploitative conditions. The Embassy is now overseeing their repatriation in batches. A team of officials is actively supporting the victims, ensuring a smooth return.
As of October 1, 39 nationals have returned home, with 15 flying back on September 30 and another 24 on October 1, 2024. The remaining 28 are expected to arrive in India in the coming days. The Embassy continues to monitor the repatriation process closely.
The Cyber Work Scam in Cambodia
Indian nationals were deceived with promises of legitimate jobs, typically in data entry, only to find themselves forced into illegal cyber activities. These activities include creating fake social media profiles and participating in fraud schemes aimed at scamming others.
The widespread nature of this scam came to light in December 2022 when the Rourkela Police in Odisha dismantled a cyber-crime syndicate, arresting eight people involved in trafficking individuals to Cambodia for such illegal work.
Assistance for Trapped Indians
The Indian Embassy has set up helplines for nationals still caught in these scams. Those in need can contact the Embassy via emergency phone number +85592881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in and visa.phnompenh@mea.gov.in. A Cambodian hotline is also available at +85592686969 for assistance.
Since January 2022, the Indian Embassy has repatriated over 1,000 citizens, including nearly 770 this year alone. It is estimated that over 5,000 Indians have been lured into these illegal cyber work scams.
“This successful operation has been made possible due to the cooperation extended by Cambodian authorities to the Embassy of India,” an official statement read.
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