The Golden Triangle, once infamous for its opium production, has morphed into a hub for a different kind of exploitation, “Cyber Slavery”. Lured by false promises of lucrative jobs, thousands of people, including a significant number of Indians, are trafficked into this region encompassing parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Once there, they are forced to work in online scam operations, facing brutal conditions and severe abuse. The advantage of these Indian manpower, include the Language Proficiency (more so from the proficiency of managing English language other than multi-language proficiency of Indian languages), Accent (as Indians are their largest cliental for execute a Cyber Crime) and Technical Skills.
Definition of Cyber Slavery
Cyber Slavery, also known as Digital Slavery, is a modern form of exploitation where individuals are coerced or deceived into working in exploitative conditions through digital means. While traditional slavery involves physical captivity, cyber slavery occurs in the virtual realm, where individuals are manipulated, controlled, and exploited through online medium involving Cyber Crime.
Nuances of Enrollment
While exact figures of the number of Indians taken as cyber slaves is hard to ascertain; however, a realistic estimate as reported, pitch the figure at about 50,000. This appreciated figures can be even more and is difficult to ascertain due to the clandestine nature of these operations.
The Indian media has been slow and reluctant to report on this aspect, as the reporting may go against the narrative that India want to tow. Here are some reported instances of cyber slave rescues and identified victims of Indian origin in the recent past (compiled based on reports in Indian Media):
- November 2024: The Indian Embassy in Cambodia, in collaboration with local authorities, rescued 14 Indian nationals trapped in cybercrime scams. These individuals were lured with fraudulent job offers and forced into online fraud operations. This brought the total number of Indians rescued from such scams in Cambodia to over 650.
- October 2024: India Today conducted an investigative operation called “Operation Cyber Slaves,” which tracked down and reported on several Indian nationals who had fallen victim to cyber slavery in the Golden Triangle. They were lured by fake job promises and forced to work in online scam centers.
- September 2024: Reports emerged of Indian workers being held captive and forced to work in online gambling and cryptocurrency scams in Myanmar. Many of these victims were young and educated, drawn by the promise of high-paying jobs.
- August 2024: Several families in India reported their loved ones missing after they traveled to Southeast Asia for supposed job opportunities. These individuals were later found to be trapped in cyber slavery rings.
- February 2023: Over 200 Indians were reportedly rescued from cyber slavery operations in Cambodia in a joint operation by Cambodian and Thai authorities. Many of the victims were young people lured by fake job promises.
- April 2023: A group of 12 Indian nationals were rescued from Myawaddy, Myanmar, where they were forced to work in online scam centers. They had been held captive and subjected to abuse.
- June 2023: Indian authorities, in collaboration with Thai police, rescued several Indian nationals from a cybercrime gang operating in Pattaya, Thailand. The victims were forced to engage in online fraud and extortion.
- Ongoing throughout 2023/2024 (and till date): The Indian Embassy in Thailand reportedly received numerous requests for assistance from Indian nationals trapped in cyber slavery situations. They worked with local authorities to facilitate rescues and repatriations throughout the year.
(These are just a few examples, and the actual number of victims is likely much higher. Many cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation, lack of awareness, and the difficulty in identifying and accessing victims in remote and tightly controlled locations.) (details as available in open domain)
While pinpointing the exact start of this phenomenon is difficult, the rise of cyber slavery in the Golden Triangle has coincided with several factors:
- China’s crackdown on online scams: Stricter regulations within China have pushed these criminal operations to seek haven in less regulated neighboring countries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic: Economic hardships and job losses during the pandemic made people more vulnerable to these deceptive job offers.
- The region’s porous borders and weak law enforcement: The Golden Triangle’s unique geography and political complexities make it an ideal location for these illicit activities to thrive.
- The Indian greed to bag a job on foreign soil.
- The currency exchange value.
Indian workers are particularly targeted due to their English language skills and familiarity with Western culture, making them effective in running scams aimed at international victims, as also Indian victims.
The Recruitment Modus Operand and their Relocation:
The recruitment of Indians as cyber slaves in the Golden Triangle often follows a disturbingly consistent pattern:
- Luring with Lucrative Offers:
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- Fake job postings: Traffickers use social media platforms, job portals, and messaging apps to advertise attractive job openings in Thailand, Myanmar, or Laos. These postings often promise high salaries, comfortable accommodations, and exciting opportunities in fields like IT, customer service, or tourism.
- Direct recruitment: In some cases, recruiters may approach potential victims directly, often through personal connections or referrals. They may even organize job fairs or recruitment drives in India, specifically targeting vulnerable individuals like recent graduates or those facing financial difficulties.
- Deception and Manipulation:
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- Misrepresentation of work: Recruiters often misrepresent the nature of the work involved, downplaying or completely hiding the fact that it involves illegal activities like online scams.
- Fake location promises: The prospective employees are first taken to places like Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Pattaya (Thailand), Sihanoukville (Cambodia) or Singapore.
- Transfer to the Golden Triangle: The journey of Indian cyber slaves to the Golden Triangle is a complex, multi-stage process designed to maximize exploitation and minimize detection. After recruitment an arrival at these favorite locations, the victims are then moved overland through poorly regulated borders, sometimes forced across illegally, enduring dangerous conditions and increased vulnerability. Their final destinations are often remote, heavily guarded compounds or urban centers within the Golden Triangle, where they are forced to work in online scams, isolated and controlled by traffickers.
- False promises: Victims are often promised easy work, generous benefits, and the opportunity to travel and experience a new culture.
- Pressure tactics: Recruiters may use high-pressure tactics to persuade victims to accept the offer quickly, often creating a sense of urgency or scarcity.
- Facilitating Travel:
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- Arranging travel documents: Traffickers may assist victims with obtaining necessary travel documents like passports and visas, sometimes even forging documents if needed.
- Providing travel arrangements: They may arrange and pay for victims’ travel to the destination country, further reinforcing the illusion of a legitimate job opportunity.
- Escorting victims: In some cases, traffickers may accompany victims on their journey, ensuring they reach the intended destination.
- Exploitation and Control:
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- Confiscation of documents: Upon arrival, victims’ passports and other identification documents are often confiscated, limiting their freedom of movement and ability to seek help.
- Debt bondage: Victims may be forced to incur debts for travel expenses, accommodation, or other “services,” trapping them in a cycle of exploitation.
- Threats and violence: Traffickers use threats, intimidation, and physical violence to maintain control over victims and prevent them from escaping or seeking help.
Vulnerable Populations:
- Young people: Recent graduates or those with limited work experience are particularly vulnerable to these scams, as they may be eager to find well-paying jobs and lack the experience to identify red flags.
- People from economically disadvantaged backgrounds: Individuals facing financial hardship or unemployment may be more likely to take risks in pursuit of better opportunities.
- People with limited education or awareness: Those with limited knowledge of the risks of human trafficking and cyber slavery may be more easily deceived by traffickers’ tactics.
Rampant Exploitation
The experiences of those trapped in these cyber slavery rings are harrowing. Survivors report:
- Confinement and abuse: Workers are often held in heavily guarded compounds, subjected to physical violence, torture, and psychological manipulation.
- Forced labor: They are forced to work long hours, often exceeding 12 hours a day, seven days a week, with little to no pay.
- Online scams: They are made to participate in various online scams, including romance scams, investment scams, and cryptocurrency scams, targeting victims worldwide.
The consequences of failing to meet targets or attempting to escape can be severe, including beatings, electrocution, and even death.
Conclusion
It is pertinent to note that these rescues and reports are the result of increased efforts by governments, law enforcement agencies, and certain media which has been reporting. The pressure on government by parents, relatives and friends of these victims, is also a factor. However, much more needs to be done to address the root causes of this problem and protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to cyber slavery. India has done too little, in-spite of the increased numbers of such Indian victims, who are still stuck at these places. The deterrence among the overground recruiters in India and the proliferation of the online media in this regard, and this need to be nipped at the bud by the government; as the scam is live even today.
The fight against cyber slavery in the Golden Triangle is a complex challenge, but it is one that must be met with urgency and determination to protect vulnerable individuals from this modern form of exploitation.