VIENTIANE, Jan 27: The Embassy of India in Vientiane has successfully rescued sixty-seven Indians who had been trafficked and forced to labor at cyber-scam centers in Laos, officials reported on Monday.
These individuals were coerced into working under threats and mistreatment from criminal groups operating within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Bokeo province, according to a press release from the Indian mission.
“The Embassy of India has effectively freed 67 Indian nationals who were deceived and trafficked into cyber-scam centers situated in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Bokeo Province of Lao PDR,” the statement read.
Acting swiftly on the pleas for help, the Embassy sent a team of officials to GTSEZ and coordinated closely with local authorities to facilitate their release. After completing the necessary procedures and paperwork, the rescued individuals were transported from Bokeo to Vientiane, where the Embassy provided them with accommodation, food, and essential assistance.
Prashant Agrawal, the Ambassador of India to Laos, met with the rescued individuals to discuss their experiences, reassure them of their safety, and guide them on subsequent actions, including filing complaints against the traffickers. He reiterated that the Embassy is committed to ensuring their safe return to India as a highest priority, the release mentioned.
“Embassy officials are presently collaborating with relevant Lao authorities to finalize their exit formalities, after which they will be able to travel back to India soon,” it stated.
The Embassy expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by Lao officials and stressed the need for decisive action against the criminal syndicates operating in GTSEZ.
“This issue has been addressed at the highest levels,” the release added.
To date, the Embassy has rescued 924 Indians, with 857 of them already safely returned to India.
Furthermore, the Embassy has issued a warning to Indian youth contemplating job offers abroad.
“Indian youth who are promised jobs in Thailand but are subsequently instructed to travel by road to Chiang Rai near the Thai-Lao border should be cautioned, as this is a clear indication of potential trafficking to GTSEZ in Lao PDR. Once arriving in GTSEZ, their passports may be confiscated by criminal groups, and they may be coerced into signing a so-called ‘work contract’ in an unfamiliar language, exposing them to exploitation,” it stated.
The Embassy has advised individuals to refer to detailed advisories on its official website or to contact them for verification before accepting any dubious job offers.
Additionally, it urged individuals to reach out to the Embassy for assistance in avoiding such scams. (PTI)
