The Indian Embassy in Laos has successfully rescued 14 Indian youth trapped in cyber-scam operations within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ). In collaboration with Laotian authorities, efforts are underway to ensure their safe return to India.

The embassy shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Embassy rescues 14 more Indian youth from cyber-scam centres in Golden Triangle SEZ. Our officials work tirelessly and closely with Lao authorities to ensure their safe return back to India. 548 Indian youth rescued so far." This brings the total number of Indians rescued from such operations in Laos to 548.

Advisory Issued for Jobs in Laos

In light of these incidents, the Indian Embassy has issued an advisory warning Indian nationals about job offers in Laos that could lead them into cyber-scam activities. The advisory, also shared on X, cautions, "Indian youth advised NOT to put themselves at risk regarding any job offers in Lao PDR/Laos which may be luring and forcing them into committing cyber-scams. Do read and follow the enclosed Advisory carefully."

The embassy highlighted recent cases where Indian nationals were enticed with fraudulent employment opportunities in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) through Thailand.

How the Fraud Job Offer Scam Works

According to the Indian Embassy’s statement, these fraudulent job offers often involve roles such as ‘Digital Sales and Marketing Executives’ or ‘Customer Support Service’ at dubious companies engaged in call-center scams and cryptocurrency fraud within the Golden Triangle SEZ in Laos. Recruiters operating from locations like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India conduct simple interviews and typing tests, promising high salaries, hotel accommodations, return air tickets, and visa facilitation.

Victims are smuggled across the Thai-Laotian border and forced to work under harsh and restrictive conditions in the Golden Triangle SEZ.

"Victims are illegally transported from Thailand to Laos and held captive in the Golden Triangle SEZ under severe conditions. They are often taken hostage by criminal syndicates involved in illegal activities and subjected to strenuous work under constant physical and mental abuse," the embassy reported.

In some cases, Indian workers have been transported to different regions in Laos for low-paying jobs such as mining and factory work, where they are exploited and endangered by their handlers. Many have been rescued under extremely difficult circumstances.

Visa and Employment Warnings

The embassy also noted that visas on arrival in Thailand or Laos do not permit employment, and Lao authorities do not issue work permits to Indian nationals traveling on such visas. Tourist visas should be used solely for tourism purposes.

Earlier in July, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to address the issue of Indian nationals being trafficked through cyber-scam centers. He also discussed the matter with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tackling this growing concern.