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Indian nationals rescued from Myanmar scam compounds
Myawaddy, a key trade hub, has emerged as a hotspot for these scams.
M. Rajkumar, Protector of Emigrants for Tamil Nadu, stressed the importance of exercising caution when seeking overseas employment, particularly in Southeast Asian nations like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. / X/@IndiainMyanmar
Six Indian nationals trapped in scam compounds in Myanmar's Myawaddy town have been released and are awaiting deportation to India, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar announced on Dec.14.
This brings the total number of Indians rescued from similar situations since July 2024 to 101, underscoring a growing concern over criminal groups luring victims into cyber slavery with fraudulent job offers.
The embassy highlighted an alarming rise in Indian citizens falling prey to such scams, which are concentrated along the Myanmar-Thailand border. "Six more Indian nationals trapped at scam-compounds in Myawaddy reached the local police station for further deportation to India, yesterday. 101 Indians repatriated to India since July 2024. We reiterate our advice against job offers in the area without consulting Missions," the embassy stated in a post on X.
Myawaddy, a key trade hub, has emerged as a hotspot for these scams. Victims are often recruited with promises of lucrative jobs, only to find themselves trapped in forced labor, primarily in cybercrime operations. The embassy has urged job seekers to verify any employment offers in the region with official missions and avoid relying on unverified advertisements, especially those circulated on social media.
Adding to the concern, the embassy identified Hpa Lu, located south of Myawaddy, as another trafficking hub for Indian victims, many of whom are routed through Thailand. "Victims are recruited from India, Malaysia, and the UAE," the embassy noted, publishing a list of suspected agents and companies involved in these scams along with a contact number for assistance.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the issue in Parliament on Dec.13, revealing that 497 Indians had been rescued from Myanmar and 1,167 from Cambodia after being deceived by fake job offers. He announced that the government had taken measures to block websites promoting fraudulent employment opportunities and prosecute those responsible.
M. Rajkumar, Protector of Emigrants for Tamil Nadu, stressed the importance of exercising caution when seeking overseas employment, particularly in Southeast Asian nations like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. “It is crucial to ensure that overseas employment is arranged only through licensed recruitment agents authorized by the Ministry of External Affairs,” he advised.
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