In a shocking revelation, at least 520 Indian nationals have been rescued from illegal cyber scam centres operating in Cambodia between 2023 and early 2025. The victims were lured abroad with promises of high-paying jobs but were allegedly forced into cyber fraud operations under inhuman conditions.
The large-scale rescue operation was carried out through coordinated efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Maharashtra Cyber Cell. Following sustained diplomatic pressure and international cooperation, Cambodian authorities intensified action against cybercrime networks operating in the country.
According to officials, victims were initially offered lucrative job opportunities in Thailand or other foreign destinations. However, upon arrival, their passports were confiscated and they were confined to heavily guarded compounds.
They were allegedly forced to carry out online scams, including romance-investment frauds and cryptocurrency scams, targeting victims primarily in Western countries.
Senior sources in Maharashtra Cyber revealed that several rescued individuals reported severe torture. Victims claimed they were given electric shocks, deprived of sleep for days, and in some cases, even had their fingernails pulled out.
Fake ‘Greater Mumbai Police’ Boards Used to Build Trust
Investigations further revealed that some scam centres displayed boards reading “Greater Mumbai Police”, along with photographs of Mahatma Gandhi and banners bearing the Ashoka emblem. Agencies suspect these symbols were used to falsely project legitimacy and gain the trust of targets.
Authorities have reportedly cracked down on nearly 200 scam locations linked to the racket and arrested 173 key accused persons connected to the international network.
Last year, the Ministry of External Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha that around 6,500 Indian nationals had been rescued from cyber slavery networks operating in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
In 2024, the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested two individuals accused of recruiting Indian youths and sending them to Laos and Cambodia on the pretext of overseas employment.
One of the rescued victims was reportedly held captive for 145 days in compounds located in Cambodia and the Golden Triangle region. His role involved transferring calls to Chinese operators who allegedly targeted elderly citizens in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Another victim, who had travelled abroad expecting a legitimate job in Thailand, was forcibly sent to the infamous KK Park scam compound.
KK Park: A Major Cyber Fraud Hub
KK Park, located along the Myanmar–Thailand border, has long been considered a major hub of cyber fraud activities. Authorities found nationals from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan trapped there.
In November 2025, Myanmar’s military reportedly demolished around 180 buildings in the area, stating that the premises were being used for large-scale cybercrime operations.
The investigation into the transnational cyber slavery racket is ongoing, with Indian agencies continuing to coordinate with foreign governments to dismantle the remaining network and bring perpetrators to justice.