Indian youths lured by fake overseas job offers have revealed shocking torture inside international cybercrime camps operating across Southeast Asia. Victims described brutal abuse, long work hours, and constant threats inside Chinese-run cybercrime compounds in countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs rescued several Indians trapped in Myanmar and brought them back to India. Among them were 22 victims from Andhra Pradesh. They shared their experiences with CID cybercrime officials at the CID headquarters in Mangalagiri.
Lured With Jobs, Trapped Like Prisoners
Fraudsters posted ads on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram, offering data entry and call center jobs with high salaries. Agents sent tourist visas and flight tickets and first took victims to Thailand. Chinese handlers then seized their passports and phones. After long journeys through forests, they forced them across borders into Myanmar.
Armed guards surrounded the compounds. Victims worked up to 20 hours a day. Guards locked them in dark rooms, gave electric shocks, denied food, and beat them if they refused work. Escape attempts invited gun threats.
Forced to Run Cyber Scams
Handlers trained victims to run online scams, including honey traps and fake investment schemes. They used fake profiles on dating apps to target Indians living in the US. The gangs set daily targets worth thousands of dollars. Failure resulted in punishment.
Officials revealed that more than 10,000 Indians remain trapped in such compounds. Since November last year, India has rescued 1,586 citizens, including 120 from Andhra Pradesh. Police arrested 30 local agents and issued lookout notices against foreign handlers.
Authorities warned youth to stay alert. Officials urged victims to report suspicious job offers by calling the 1930 cybercrime helpline.
For more latest updates, click here.
