In a disturbing revelation, it has come to light that approximately 5000 Indian nationals are being held captive by a cyber mafia in Cambodia, forced into committing cyber fraud against their own countrymen. The ordeal, akin to modern-day slavery, underscores the pervasive threat posed by cybercrime and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for illicit gains.

According to reports from Indian media outlets, Indian Embassy officials in Cambodia have been working in tandem with local authorities to address the crisis. So far, approximately 25 individuals have been rescued and repatriated to India, with efforts ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.

The victims, lured under false pretenses of employment opportunities, were reportedly coerced into carrying out cyber attacks and fraud schemes upon reaching Cambodia. Stripped of their passports and subjected to virtual enslavement, these individuals have been compelled to engage in criminal activities against their will.

Indian nationals, predominantly hailing from South India, were promised data entry jobs upon arrival in Cambodia. However, upon arrival, they found themselves ensnared in a web of exploitation and criminality orchestrated by the cyber mafia. Passport confiscation and threats of violence were employed to ensure compliance with their illicit directives.

Accounts of survivors paint a harrowing picture of their ordeal, with many recounting their involvement in fraudulent activities under duress. The intricate network behind these operations, allegedly masterminded by Chinese operatives with the assistance of Malaysian intermediaries, highlights the transnational nature of cybercrime and the challenges in combating such syndicates.

Recent arrests in India, including the apprehension of individuals returning from Cambodia, have shed light on the extent of the cyber fraud syndicate and its reach across international borders. Those detained, identified as Harish Kuropati and Naga Benkat Saujanya Kuropati, provide crucial insights into the modus operandi of these criminal networks.

The revelation of Indian nationals being exploited for cyber fraud underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between nations to combat cybercrime and safeguard vulnerable individuals from exploitation. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in dismantling these nefarious networks and ensuring justice for the victims caught in their grasp.