Uncovering the Plight of Indians in Cambodia: Victims of Cyber-Scams
Thousands of Indian nationals find themselves ensnared in a harrowing ordeal in Cambodia, compelled to partake in online scams targeting their fellow countrymen. Reports reveal a shocking revelation of over 5,000 individuals coerced into illegal cyber activities, amassing a staggering sum of Rs 500 crore within six months.
Forced Participation in Cyber-Crimes
Victims, lured under false pretenses of employment opportunities, soon realize they are pawns in a malicious scheme. Forced to engage in fraudulent activities, they assume false identities and perpetrate scams ranging from falsely accusing individuals of criminal activities to executing cryptocurrency trading frauds.
Collaboration between India and Cambodia
Recognizing the severity of the situation, both India and Cambodia have initiated collaborative efforts to address this grave issue. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the distressing reports, with the Indian Embassy in Cambodia actively addressing grievances from affected citizens. Efforts have resulted in the rescue and repatriation of approximately 250 victims back to India.
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Unraveling the Modus Operandi
The modus operandi of the perpetrators is insidious, involving coercion and manipulation tactics. Victims are forced to mimic law enforcement officers, intimidating unsuspecting individuals and extorting money under false pretenses. The scam unraveled when a senior government official reported substantial financial losses, prompting swift action from law enforcement agencies.
Stephen, a survivor of this ordeal, recounts his traumatic experience of being lured to Cambodia under the guise of employment. Trapped in a web of deceit, he and many others endured grueling conditions, facing physical and psychological coercion to meet daily quotas of fraudulent activities. The reality of their situation is one of exploitation and manipulation, leaving them in dire circumstances.
Authorities, upon uncovering the extent of the cyber-crime syndicate, have taken decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators. The Rourkela Police in Odisha arrested eight individuals associated with the criminal enterprise, shedding light on the intricate network orchestrating these heinous activities.
Efforts are underway to identify and rescue victims trapped in Cambodia against their will. The focus remains on ensuring the safe return of affected individuals to their homeland and providing them with the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives.
The plight of over 5,000 Indian nationals held captive in Cambodia highlights the urgency of addressing the scourge of cyber-crime and human exploitation. Collaborative efforts between nations, coupled with swift law enforcement action, are essential in combatting such nefarious activities and safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
