2,471 Indians rescued from scam centres in southeast Asian countries during 2022-25: Govt data
In a worrying trend, the Indian government reported that 2,471 Indian nationals were rescued from scam centres in Southeast Asia between January 2022 and May 2025. These individuals had fallen victim to fake job offers and were later forced into online fraud operations in countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
Criminal syndicates had trapped the victims in guarded compounds and used them to run scams targeting people worldwide.
Inside the Scam Centres: Forced into Fraud
Criminal groups lured Indians abroad with job offers, then held them inside scam hubs. Once trapped, the victims lost their passports and couldn’t escape. They faced threats, violence, and harsh working conditions. Many had to run phishing and investment scams for hours each day, with little rest or freedom.
These centres operated like prisons, with surveillance, guards, and constant pressure to meet scam targets.
Breakdown by Country
The rescues came from the following countries:
- Laos: 1,089 Indians
- Cambodia: 800 Indians
- Myanmar: 582 Indians
Indian embassies in Vientiane, Phnom Penh, and Yangon worked closely with local police and international agencies to track and rescue the victims.
Indian States with the Most Victims
According to the government, many of the rescued victims came from these five states:
| State | Rescued Victims |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 273 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 247 |
| Maharashtra | 224 |
| Kerala | 196 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 151 |
The traffickers targeted both rural and urban areas. They often promised high salaries and fast visa processing.
How They Fell into the Trap
Recruitment agents promised jobs in customer service, casinos, or tech support. Victims applied online or met agents in person. They then traveled to Southeast Asia on tourist visas. Once they arrived, traffickers took control and moved them to isolated areas.
In many cases, criminals forced them across borders without legal entry, making rescue even harder.
22,000 Indians Still Missing Abroad?
Government data also reveals that over 22,000 Indian citizens who left for Southeast Asian countries between January 2022 and January 2025 haven’t returned. Among them:
- 15,828 are still in Thailand
- 3,566 in Vietnam
- 2,121 in Cambodia
- 387 in Myanmar
- 243 in Laos
Officials fear that many may be trapped or working illegally. The Ministry of External Affairs is verifying their status and reaching out to families for information.
Mass Rescues and Airlifts
The government acted quickly in early 2025. Indian Air Force flights helped bring back hundreds. In March 2025, two special flights carried home over 500 Indian nationals from areas near the Myanmar–Thailand border.
Embassies created helplines and shared warnings online. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, worked closely with the Centre to assist families and track missing citizens.
Crackdown on Recruitment Agents
Indian police arrested several fake agents who had tricked people with false promises. The agencies charged huge amounts and gave no real documents. Investigations revealed that many agents operated in small towns and used WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook to reach potential victims.
The government plans stricter checks on overseas job ads and agent licenses.
Need for Stronger Protection
A recent parliamentary panel asked the government to create a national database of overseas job seekers. It also urged stricter punishment for traffickers and better coordination between states and embassies.
Experts say awareness is key. Many job-seekers don’t know how to verify offers. Officials recommend checking job visas, agent credentials, and embassy advisories before traveling abroad.
Conclusion
The rescue of 2,471 Indians from scam centres in Southeast Asia highlights a growing danger. While the government has stepped in, thousands still remain at risk. Better enforcement, education, and safe migration practices are now more important than ever.
As India continues to bring back its citizens, one thing is clear: the fight against human trafficking in the digital age has only just begun.
