67 Indians rescued from cyber-scam centres in Laos

Vientiane: The Embassy of India in Laos successfully rescued 67 Indian nationals who had been duped and trafficked into cyber-scam centres operating within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Bokeo Province, Laos.

The victims, mostly young men, were coerced into working under threat and abuse by criminal syndicates in the region. Upon receiving urgent requests for help, the Indian Embassy responded swiftly, dispatching a team to GTSEZ. Embassy officials worked closely with Lao authorities to complete the necessary formalities, ensuring the safe release and transport of the victims to the Embassy in Vientiane.

Ambassador Prashant Agrawal personally met the rescued individuals, offering them assurance and support. He emphasized the importance of lodging complaints against the agents responsible for trafficking them and advised the youths on their next steps.

The Embassy has made arrangements for accommodation and sustenance, ensuring the well-being of the rescued individuals as they await their journey back to India. Embassy officials continue to collaborate with Lao authorities to finalize the necessary exit procedures.

The Indian Embassy expressed gratitude to the Lao authorities for their cooperation and assured that efforts were underway to take action against the criminals involved. The matter has been raised at the highest levels in both countries to ensure justice.

To date, the Embassy has rescued a total of 924 Indian nationals, with 857 already safely returned to India. The Embassy also issued a warning to job seekers, particularly those promised employment in Thailand, cautioning them about the risks of being trafficked to GTSEZ. Those arriving at Chiang Rai near the Thai-Lao border are especially vulnerable, as passports may be seized by syndicates and false contracts are signed in foreign languages, leading to exploitation.

Indian nationals seeking employment abroad are urged to consult the Embassy's advisory on its website and reach out for assistance if needed.

With IANS inputs