Thousands trapped in Cambodia, MEA tells job-seekers to be cautious

Theministryofexternalaffairs (MEA) Thursday cautioned Indian nationals against falling prey to traffickers promising lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia. This came after The Indianexpressreportedonmarch 28 that over 5,000 Indians are allegedly being held against their will in that country and forced to execute cyber frauds on people back home.

The government estimates that these trapped people have allegedly duped people in India ofatleast`500croreoverthepast sixmonths.themeahasrescued and repatriated about 250 Indians so far after coordinating with Cambodian authorities.

Inanadvisory,themeacalled upon Indians looking at job opportunities in the Southeast Asian country to thoroughly check the background of the prospective employer. “It has cometoattentionthatindiannationals, lured by fake promises of lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia,arefallingintothetrap of human traffickers,” it said.

The ministry said these Indian nationals are coerced to undertakeonlinefinancialscams andotherillegalactivities.“indian nationals intending to visit Cambodia for employment are cautioned to do so only through authorised agents. It is also advised that the background of the prospective employer in Cambodia is checked thoroughly,”itsaid.“inthemeantime, the Ministry of External Affairs, through our mission in Phnom Penh, is working closely with the Cambodian authorities to address the issue,” it added.

Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs held a meeting with officials of the MEA, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Indian Cybercrimecoordinationcentre and other security experts to draw up a strategy to rescue the Indians trapped in Cambodia. “Theagendaoftheirmeetingwas to discuss the organised racket and bring back those who are trapped there. Data shows that `500 crore has been lost (to cyber fraud originating in Cambodia) in India in the last six months,” a source said.