Over 2,470 Indians Freed from Job Scams in Southeast Asia

Over 2,470 Indians Freed from Job Scams in Southeast Asia

Thousands of Indians Lured by Fake Jobs Rescued Across Southeast Asia

In a shocking revelation, the Indian government has confirmed that 2,471 Indian citizens have been rescued from cyber scam centers and fraudulent job rackets operating in Southeast Asian countries between 2022 and 2025.

The rescue operations, conducted with the help of local authorities in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and the Philippines, aimed to free Indian nationals trapped in fake job scams, many of which were tied to organized cybercrime syndicates.

How Indians Are Being Lured Abroad

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), victims were typically offered attractive jobs—especially in tech support, data entry, or customer service roles—through social media ads, fake recruiters, and job portals.

However, upon arrival in these countries, many were held against their will and forced to work in cyber fraud operations, such as crypto scams, phishing networks, and online betting traps. Victims were often confined, monitored, and physically threatened.

Government Action and Rescue Efforts

The Indian government, in coordination with embassies and foreign law enforcement, initiated targeted rescue missions starting in early 2022. These missions have steadily ramped up, especially in response to growing media reports and victim testimonies.

Officials emphasized the importance of international cooperation, with support from the Interpol, ASEAN task forces, and anti-trafficking NGOs.

Advisory for Indian Citizens Seeking Jobs Abroad

The MEA has reissued strong advisories urging Indian citizens to:

• Avoid unverified job offers on social media or WhatsApp

• Use only licensed overseas recruiters

• Cross-check employer legitimacy before travel

• Report suspicious agents or websites to the authorities

Final Thoughts

As cybercrime networks become more sophisticated and transnational, job-seekers—especially in developing nations—remain vulnerable targets. The Indian government’s efforts to bring back over 2,470 citizens signal both a deepening crisis and a step in the right direction.