The discovery of a massive scam involving thousands of Indians held against their will in Cambodia has sent shockwaves through law enforcement agencies and government circles in both countries. The fraud, estimated to have generated proceeds of ₹500 crore over the past six months, has prompted India and Cambodia to collaborate in dismantling the criminal syndicate behind it.
According to reports, around 5,000 Indian nationals have been coerced into engaging in online scams targeting their fellow countrymen. Victims were manipulated into participating in fraudulent activities, including posing as law enforcement officials and extorting money from unsuspecting individuals by falsely claiming suspicious items were found in parcels they had shipped.
The scam came to light when a senior central government employee filed a complaint after being defrauded of over ₹67 lakh. Subsequent investigations by the Rourkela Police in Odisha led to the dismantling of a cyber-crime syndicate on December 30, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals allegedly involved in trafficking people to Cambodia.
The modus operandi of the syndicate involved recruiting individuals like Stephen, who was lured with the promise of a job opportunity in Cambodia. Once in Cambodia, recruits were coerced into engaging in illegal cyber activities, including creating fake social media profiles and scamming unsuspecting victims under threat of punishment for failing to meet daily targets.
Recruits endured grueling conditions, including working 12-hour shifts without proper rest or sustenance, under constant threat of physical and psychological abuse if they refused to comply with instructions. Their passports were confiscated, rendering escape impossible, while they were forced to engage in fraudulent schemes devised by the syndicate.
The scam primarily targeted victims through dating apps, where recruits posed as women to lure targets into cryptocurrency investment scams. Victims were persuaded to invest in fake stocks and use a fraudulent online app, resulting in significant financial losses.
Law enforcement agencies have made significant strides in unraveling the complex network of fraud companies operating in Cambodia. Key operatives, including those of Indian and Nepalese origin, have been identified, with efforts underway to apprehend them with the assistance of Interpol.
The plight of the victims underscores the pervasive nature of transnational organized crime and the vulnerability of individuals ensnared in such schemes. The collaboration between India and Cambodia signifies a concerted effort to combat cross-border criminal activities and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Efforts to address the root causes of such exploitation, including enhancing awareness, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and providing support to victims, are imperative to prevent similar incidents in the future. As investigations continue and perpetrators are brought to justice, it is essential to prioritize the protection and well-being of those affected by these egregious crimes.
