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Indian Embassy In Laos Secures Safe Return Of 47 Nationals Caught In Cyber-Scam Centres

The rescue was made possible through close cooperation between the Embassy and local Lao authorities.

by Nikitha Sebastian
Indian Embassy In Laos Secures Safe Return Of 47 Nationals Caught In Cyber-Scam Centres

In a decisive operation, the Indian Embassy in Laos rescued 47 Indian nationals trapped in cyber-scam centres within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo Province, Laos. The Embassy announced this successful mission in a press release, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding Indian citizens abroad.

Indian Embassy In Laos Secures Safe Return Of Nationals

The rescue was made possible through close cooperation between the Embassy and local Lao authorities. The situation came to light during a crackdown by Lao authorities on illegal activities in the Golden Triangle SEZ. During this crackdown, 29 Indians were handed over to the Embassy. The remaining 18 approached the Embassy independently, seeking assistance to escape the cyber-scam centres. The Golden Triangle SEZ, located at the convergence of the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, is infamous for illegal activities, including cyber scams.

To ensure the safe release of these individuals, Embassy officials travelled from Vientiane to Bokeo. They engaged directly with local authorities to facilitate the rescue. The Embassy then arranged transportation for the rescued nationals from Bokeo to Vientiane. Upon their arrival, the individuals were provided with accommodation and food. This swift response highlights the Embassy’s proactive approach in addressing such emergencies.

Part Of A Broader Effort

Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)

The group’s arrival in Vientiane was met by Prashant Agrawal, the Ambassador of India to Laos. Ambassador Agrawal personally interacted with the rescued individuals, discussing the challenges they faced and offering advice on the next steps. His direct involvement demonstrated the high priority the Embassy places on the safety of Indian nationals abroad.

The Embassy has completed all necessary procedural requirements with Lao authorities to facilitate the repatriation of these individuals to India. Of the 47 rescued, 30 have already returned safely or are in the process of returning. The remaining 17 are awaiting final travel arrangements and are expected to leave Laos shortly.

This operation is part of a broader effort by the Indian Embassy in Laos, which has successfully rescued 635 Indian nationals from similar situations in the past. The Embassy expressed gratitude to the Lao authorities for their cooperation and urged them to take action against those responsible for such activities.

Also Read: Over 40 Pilgrims From Kerala Stuck In Israel; Asked Help From Indian Embassy

In light of this incident, the Embassy has issued a strong advisory to Indian nationals considering job offers in Laos. The advisory, available on the Embassy’s website, urges caution and thorough due diligence to avoid being deceived by fraudulent schemes. The Embassy encourages individuals to contact them if they have any doubts or concerns.

Cover Image Courtesy: @IndianEmbLaos/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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First Published: August 31, 2024 5:11 PM