On Saturday, the Indian embassy in Laos reported the successful rescue of at least 47 Indians from cyber scam centres located in Bokeo province. This recent operation has contributed to a total of 635 Indians rescued from Laos to date. The embassy has issued a warning to Indian citizens about fraudulent job offers and emphasized the importance of verification to prevent falling victim to scams.
Details of the Rescue Operation
- Rescue Operation: The Indian Embassy in Laos successfully rescued 47 Indians from cyber scam centres in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo province.
- Breakdown of Rescue:
- 29 individuals were handed over to the embassy by Laos authorities following their crackdown on illegal activities.
- 18 individuals approached the embassy directly seeking assistance.
Scam Operation Methods
- Impersonation: Scammers were found to impersonate women on dating apps, engaging victims in conversations.
- Investment Fraud: Victims were convinced to invest in cryptocurrency trading.
- Conditions: The “cyber slaves” were reportedly deprived of food and rest if they did not meet their daily targets.
Embassy Actions and Advisory
- Embassy Statement: The Indian Embassy urged the Laos government to take action against those involved in the scams.
- Advisory Issued: The embassy has advised Indian nationals to be cautious with job offers in Laos and to conduct thorough checks to avoid scams. Detailed guidance is available on the Embassy’s website.
Coordination and Repatriation
- Coordination Efforts: Embassy officials traveled from Vientiane to Bokeo to coordinate the rescue operation with local authorities.
- Meeting with Rescued: Prashant Agrawal, the Indian Ambassador to Laos, met with the rescued individuals to discuss their experiences and next steps.
- Repatriation: 30 individuals have already returned to India or are en route, while 17 are awaiting final travel arrangements.
Diplomatic Efforts
- Recent Discussions: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed Indian national trafficking with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during his recent visit.
- Previous Rescue: Last month, the embassy rescued 13 Indians from similar cyber scam centres and facilitated their return to India.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- How many Indians were recently rescued from cyber scam centres in Laos?
- A) 47
- B) 30
- C) 13
- D) 635
- What was the primary method used by scammers to lure their victims?
- A) Email phishing
- B) Impersonation on dating apps
- C) Phone calls
- D) Fake job offers
- How many of the rescued individuals were handed over by Laos authorities?
- A) 18
- B) 47
- C) 29
- D) 13
- What did the Indian Embassy advise Indian nationals regarding job offers in Laos?
- A) To accept any offer without verification
- B) To exercise caution and perform thorough checks
- C) To immediately travel to Laos for job opportunities
- D) To contact local agencies for job confirmations
- How many individuals from the recent rescue are still awaiting final travel arrangements?
- A) 30
- B) 47
- C) 13
- D) 17