Amidst the planning of Independence Day celebrations, followed by a long weekend, many among us missed a piece of important news about the rescue of Indians, who were literally kidnapped in the name of providing information technology (IT) jobs overseas from the clutches of international crime syndicates operating on the Myanmar-Thailand borders.
In a message on X, on 6 August 2024, the Indian embassy in Myanmar says, "Six more Indian nationals, who had fallen victim to scam centres in Myawaddy area, were rescued today. Continued support from Myanmar authorities and local assistance remains critical. 29 Indians have been rescued since 6 July 2024. Their repatriation process is underway."
Further, it says, "There has been an increase in the incidents of Indian nationals falling victim to the international crime syndicates active in Myawaddy region on Myanmar-Thailand border. We would re-emphasise the importance of adhering to our advisories on the subject of not taking any such job offers without consulting the respective Indian embassies. A new location at the Hpa Lu area, south of Myawaddy town, is reported to have emerged recently where most of the Indian victims are being trafficked into via Thailand after being recruited from India as well as from countries like Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)."
Cyber Dost (@Cyberdost), the cyber-safety and cybersecurity awareness handle maintained by the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA), also keeps warning unemployed youths to be cautious of part-time work-from-home job offers that require upfront payments for equipment, software, or training. "Always verify the legitimacy of job postings before committing."
Many IT job aspirants dream of having a big or bigger salary in a foreign country. So when someone approaches them through social media with a data-entry job in Thailand that fits the 'fat' salary package expectations, many unemployed people do not think twice.
Especially after the COVID-19 lockdowns and job cuts, many unemployed people are becoming easy targets for these gangsters. They are lured with attractive job offers in call centres, online marketing, or other tech-related roles. However, on arrival, victims often find themselves trapped in forced labour situations, sometimes under harsh and inhumane conditions.
Many job-seekers who went to Thailand for a job in IT were, in fact, recruited by Chinese criminal gangs to enslave them in cybercrime factories. These workers are then illegally taken to the Myawaddy area of Myanmar which is difficult to access due to the local security situation.
This is a worrying nexus of cybercrime, human trafficking and torture. Taking advantage of the sensitive geo-political situation in Myanmar and Cambodia, Chinese criminal gangs are running 'factories' to dupe thousands of investors worldwide. Once the IT workers are caged or held as prisoners, these Chinese criminal syndicates force them to work in online scam centres using specially designed apps to target victims from across the world.
According to a 2023 estimate by the United Nations (UN), as many as 120,000 people had been trafficked into centres in Myanmar, with a further 100,000 in Cambodia.
A report from BBC says the (online scam) centres have generated billions of dollars for Chinese underworld crime syndicates and the various armed groups operating along the Thai border.
Some fraudulent IT companies engaged in digital scamming and crypto-frauds have been recruiting Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and other states using sub-agents on a paid commission basis.
In job scams, victims are typically contacted through social media, job portals, or even personal messages, offering high-paying jobs abroad, mainly in Thailand. The job offers seem legitimate, with detailed job descriptions, attractive salaries, and sometimes even travel arrangements provided.
Once a victim agrees, the syndicates often arrange transportation, sometimes covering costs upfront. It can involve crossing borders illegally. After arrival at the destination, the gangsters confiscate passports and personal documents, making it difficult for the victims to leave or run away.
While there is no permanent solution to such online job scams, here are a few suggestions to protect you or your near and dear ones from becoming victims.
Do thorough research: Research the company thoroughly before accepting any job offer, especially in a foreign country. Check for any red flags like lack of an online presence, unverifiable company details, or unusually high salaries for the position offered. Contact the Indian embassy or consulate in that country to verify the company's legitimacy or job offer.
Say no to unsolicited offers: Be cautious of unsolicited job offers, especially those received through social media or messaging apps. Legitimate companies rarely approach candidates this way. It is better to say no to such unsolicited job offers.
Verify travel and work documents: Ensure all travel and work documents are handled through official channels. If necessary, do contact the embassy of that country in India. Avoid any arrangements that involve crossing borders illegally or using fake and bogus documents.
Stay connected: Maintain regular contact with family or friends, especially when travelling for a job. Share your location and travel plans with someone you trust.
Know the red flags: Be wary if the company asks for personal documents immediately or if they arrange travel in a manner that seems secretive or suspicious. If you are pressured to travel immediately or are offered a position that seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Seek help quickly: If you find yourself in a situation where your rights are violated, seek assistance from your country's embassy, international organisations, or local authorities as quickly as possible.
By staying vigilant and informed, anyone can reduce the risk of falling victim to these dangerous job scams and protect themselves from exploitation.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe!
