They were defrauded and trafficked to cyber-scam centers in Bokeo province of Laos. 67 Indians, who were in the middle of a smuggling racket and were victims of abuse and criminal intimidation, have been rescued by the Indian Embassy in Laos.
The Indian Embassy in the South Asian country said it received “requests for help” from the victims and “promptly responded with all necessary assistance”. The network was operating from the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Laos.
“A team of embassy officials immediately traveled to the GTSEZ and worked closely with the relevant Lao authorities to complete the necessary procedures and paperwork so that they could leave the GTSEZ and travel to the Embassy in Vientiane. Their transportation facilities were also provided, the Indian Embassy said, adding that their accommodation and food arrangements have been made by the Embassy as per requirement.
Indian Embassy rescues 67 Indian youth from cyber-scam centers in Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) of Lao PDR. Press release below. pic.twitter.com/zaeKej5vm
– India in Laos (@IndianEmbLaos) 27 January 2025
Indian Ambassador to Laos Prashant Agarwal met the 67 rescued Indians and discussed the challenges faced by them. Mr Aggarwal assured complete security and full support of the Embassy “as top priority” for their safe return to India.
The India Office in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is currently working closely with the concerned authorities to complete the exit formalities of the rescued Indians, after which they will be able to return home.
“We thank the Lao authorities for their cooperation. We have also requested them to take action against unscrupulous elements and the matter has been taken up at the highest level,” the embassy said.
The Embassy in Laos has so far rescued 924 Indians, of whom 857 have already returned home safely.
“Indian youth who were promised jobs in Thailand but upon reaching there were asked to travel by road to Chiang Rai, close to the Thai-Lao border, are cautioned that this is a sure sign That they are being smuggled into the GTSEZ. Once they reach the GTSEZ, they may have their passports taken away and made to sign a so-called ‘work contract’ in a foreign language. Which is a threat to their exploitation,” the Indian Embassy said.
