Synopsis
The Government of India has successfully repatriated 266 Indian nationals released from cybercrime centres in Southeast Asia. This operation, facilitated by the IAF, highlights the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect citizens from fraudulent job schemes.Key Takeaways
- 266 Indian nationals repatriated from Southeast Asia.
- Facilitated by an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft.
- Collaboration with governments of Myanmar and Thailand.
- 283 Indians previously brought back from Myanmar.
- MEA urges caution regarding fraudulent job offers.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) The Government of India has successfully brought back 266 Indian nationals who were freed from cybercrime centres located in Southeast Asia, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft played a crucial role in ensuring their safe return.
The MEA took to social media platform X, stating, "The Government of India arranged for the safe repatriation of 266 Indians yesterday via an IAF aircraft, who were released from cybercrime centres in Southeast Asia."
The ministry also pointed out the significant contributions of Indian embassies, which collaborated closely with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand to facilitate the safe return of these individuals.
This repatriation follows a similar operation conducted on Monday, wherein 283 Indians were returned from Myanmar. These individuals had been deceived by fraudulent job offers and subsequently coerced into cybercrime and other illicit activities at scam centres along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
A press release from the MEA underscored the relentless efforts of Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, which worked with local authorities to ensure the release of those ensnared.
The special IAF aircraft deployed on Monday was responsible for bringing back 283 nationals from Mae Sot, Thailand, marking another significant advancement in India's ongoing fight against human trafficking and cybercrime syndicates in the region.
The MEA reiterated its advisories, urging Indian citizens to be vigilant regarding deceitful job offers. The ministry highlighted the importance of verifying the credentials of foreign employers through Indian missions abroad and thoroughly investigating recruiting agents and companies prior to accepting job opportunities overseas.
The Indian government has frequently warned its citizens against the risks associated with unsolicited job offers from dubious sources, as many of these scams have resulted in individuals being exploited and coerced into illegal activities.
This recent repatriation was made feasible through the collaboration of Indian authorities, Myanmar's Union authorities, and local groups operating in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar, where several victims had been held.
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar also acknowledged the success of the operation in a post on X, stating, "In coordination with Myanmar's Union authorities and local groups, 283 Indian nationals at scam compounds in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar were released and repatriated yesterday via Mae Sot in Thailand. We strongly reiterate our advice against such job offers."
Earlier, on February 11, eight more Indian nationals were deported from Myawaddy scam centres to Mae Sot, Thailand, as part of a larger group of 19 foreigners. At that time, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar confirmed that 133 Indian nationals had been freed. "We reaffirm our warning against job offers in this area," the embassy stated.
With these recent operations, the Indian government continues its proactive efforts to combat human trafficking and safeguard its citizens from fraudulent overseas job schemes.
