14 Indian youth rescued from cyber scam centres in Laos

The Indian embassy in Laos has rescued 14 Indian youths from cyber-scam centres located in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Officials are working tirelessly with Laotian authorities to ensure their safe return to India. So far, 548 Indian youth have been rescued, according to the Indian Embassy in Laos.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Laos stated, "Embassy rescues 14 more Indian youth from cyber-scam centres in Golden Triangle SEZ. Our officials work tirelessly and closely with Lao authorities to ensure their safe return to India. 548 Indian youth have been rescued so far.”


The embassy also issued an advisory for Indian nationals, warning them not to fall for job offers in Laos that may lure them into committing cyber scams. The advisory stated: “Indian youth are advised not to put themselves at risk regarding any job offers in Lao PDR / Laos that may be luring and forcing them into committing cyber-scams. Do read and follow the enclosed advisory carefully.”

The embassy warns that Indian nationals are being lured to Laos through Thailand with fake job offers for positions like 'Digital sales and marketing executives' and 'Customer support service' by companies involved in call-centre scams and cryptocurrency fraud. Recruiters in Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India offer high salaries, hotel bookings, and return tickets, but victims are held captive in harsh conditions.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed these trafficking issues with Laos prime minister Sonexay Siphandone and foreign ministers from Cambodia and Thailand, praising the Lao government's cooperation in these rescue efforts.