Bangkok: Indian authorities, in collaboration with counterparts in Myanmar and Thailand, have successfully repatriated 549 Indian nationals who were rescued from scam centers operating near the Myanmar-Thailand border.
The Indian Embassy in Thailand announced on Wednesday that the rescued individuals were flown back to India on March 10 and 11 via two special flights from Mae Sot, Thailand.
“This operation is part of the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of Indian nationals lured by fake job offers and forced into working at scam centres in neighbouring countries,” the Embassy stated in a post on X.
The Indian Embassy in Yangon had earlier reported the release of 283 Indian nationals from scam compounds in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region, followed by another 266 individuals on the subsequent day.
The successful operation was carried out in coordination with Myanmar’s Union authorities and local groups, with logistical support from Thai border officials and the Indian Embassy in Thailand.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing these exploitative rackets.
“These individuals were deceived by fraudulent job offers and coerced into engaging in cybercrime and other illegal activities at scam centres near the Myanmar-Thailand border,” the MEA said in a statement.
Authorities have urged Indian nationals to exercise caution when considering overseas job offers.
Both the MEA and Indian Embassies advised verifying the credentials of foreign employers and recruitment agents before accepting positions abroad.
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Regions like Myawaddy and Tachilek along the Thailand-Myanmar border have long been hubs for criminal syndicates, according to media reports.
These groups are known to lure individuals from South Asia and beyond, forcing them to operate scam centres involved in fraudulent activities such as bogus investments and illegal gambling.
Joint operations by Thai and Myanmar authorities have reportedly led to the release of over 7,000 individuals from various countries who were trapped in these centres, highlighting the transnational nature of the issue.
Indian officials have strongly advised citizens against falling prey to such job scams and urged vigilance to prevent exploitation.
