47 Indians rescued from cyber scam centres in Laos

Indian Embassy in Laos rescues 47 trapped in cyber scam centres, emphasizing safety and repatriation of Indian nationals.

At least 47 Indians trapped in cyber scam centres in Laos have been rescued from Bokeo province of the country, the Indian Embassy in the Southeast Asian country said on Saturday (August 31, 2024).

Indian authorities have been cautioning its nationals against fake job offers in Laos and urged them to conduct due diligence to avoid being deceived. The Indian mission has so far rescued 635 Indians from the country and ensured their safe return back home.

In the latest case, the embassy rescued 47 Indians trapped in cyber scam centres at the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo province, a statement from the Indian Embassy in Laos said.

"Of these, 29 were handed over to the Embassy by Laos authorities after their crackdown on illegal activities in Golden Triangle SEZ, while other 18 had approached the Embassy in distress, seeking help," the statement, which was posted on X, said.

It said the embassy officials travelled from the capital Vientiane to Bokeo to liaise with local authorities for their rescue.

The statement added that Prashant Agrawal, the Ambassador of India to Laos, met the group upon their arrival to discuss the challenges they faced and to advise further course of action.

The embassy has undertaken and completed all procedural requirements of Laos authorities for their repatriation to India, the statement said, adding that 30 of those have already safely returned to India or are on their way, while the remaining 17 are only awaiting travel arrangements to be firmed up and would be leaving the country soon.