Foreign cyber fraudsters are targeting Indian bank accounts, with a significant portion of cyber scams originating from Southeast Asian countries.
Jotirmoy Roy, AB News, New Delhi: The threat of cybercrime in India is continuously rising, and this time, it is linked to international cybercriminal networks targeting Indian bank accounts. According to sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs, during the first five months of this year (January to May), Indians lost approximately Rs. 7,000 crore through online fraud. This amounts to over Rs. 1,000 crore every month. The main perpetrators behind this massive financial theft are gangs operating from Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, who are targeting Indian citizens with their scams.
Ministry of Home Affairs Report: Chinese Operators Are Leading the Fraud Rings
A report from the Indian Crime Coordination Center under the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals that most of these fraud gangs are led by operators based in China. Under their supervision, employees—most of whom are foreigners—are sitting in highly secured areas, laying out various traps. Investigations have shown that many of these employees illegally access these gang hideouts. The list of “victims” includes not just Indians but also residents from Africa and other parts of Asia. Once caught in the cyber gangs’ trap, individuals are forced to work according to the instructions of operators known as “Pandas.” Every month, thousands of crores are lost by Indian victims of cyber scams.
Main Methods of Fraud: Stock Trading, Digital Arrests, Investment, and Online Schemes
Investigations suggest that these gangs primarily dupe Indian citizens through schemes related to stock and share trading, digital arrests, investments, and various online activities. Their tactics involve luring people with promises of quick money, only to end up looting their finances.
Human Trafficking Networks: Indian Citizens Being Trafficked to Various Countries
In addition, several gangs involved in human trafficking have been identified operating from India. Agencies have found that 59 agents are active in Maharashtra, 51 in Tamil Nadu, 46 in Jammu and Kashmir, 41 in Uttar Pradesh, and 38 in Delhi. These gangs mainly operate in Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The trafficking route typically involves enticing Indian youths with attractive salaries in Southeast Asian countries. Once ensnared, they are sent to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, and other countries based on their location. For example, individuals from Bengal are first sent to Vietnam and then transported via road to Cambodia. Similarly, agents from Jaipur send victims to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam; from Tamil Nadu to Cambodia; from Maharashtra to Thailand and Cambodia; from Kerala to Vietnam and Singapore; and from Delhi to Bangkok and Cambodia. Currently, over 5,000 Indians are reportedly held captive by these trafficking gangs in Cambodia alone.
Government Action: India Holds High-Level Meetings with Cambodian Authorities
India has already held high-level meetings with officials from Cambodia, sharing information about these gangs and urging swift action to free the trapped Indians. The government aims to dismantle these international networks and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
