New Delhi: The Indian government successfully repatriated 266 nationals who had been trapped in cybercrime centres across Southeast Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday. Their safe return was facilitated by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft.
In a statement on social media, the MEA said, “Government of India arranged for the safe repatriation of 266 Indians yesterday by an IAF aircraft, who were released from cybercrime centres in South East Asia.”
The ministry credited the Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand for their efforts in working closely with local governments to secure the release of the victims. This repatriation follows a similar mission on Monday when 283 Indians were returned from Myanmar. These individuals had been deceived by fraudulent job offers and subsequently forced into cybercrime activities at scam centres along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
A press release from the MEA commended the diligent work of Indian embassies in both Myanmar and Thailand, which collaborated with local authorities to free those trapped in the centres.
The repatriation was a significant achievement in India’s ongoing fight against human trafficking and cybercrime. The special IAF aircraft that operated on Monday brought back 283 nationals from Mae Sot, Thailand, marking another milestone in the effort to combat illegal activities in the region.
The MEA also issued repeated warnings urging Indian citizens to be cautious about unsolicited job offers and to verify the legitimacy of foreign employers through Indian embassies abroad. It stressed the need for thorough checks on recruiting agents and companies before accepting overseas job opportunities, as many scams have led to individuals being exploited.
The recent repatriation was made possible through coordination between Indian authorities, Myanmar’s government, and local groups in the Myawaddy area, where many victims were held. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar praised the success of the operation and reiterated its warning against fraudulent job offers.
Earlier, in February, eight Indian nationals were deported from Myawaddy scam centres, and a larger group of 133 Indians was also released. The embassy has continued to warn citizens about the risks of falling victim to such schemes.
These recent operations reflect the Indian government’s continued commitment to fighting human trafficking and protecting its citizens from fraudulent overseas job schemes.