2024-08-31 19:43:33
New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Laos on Saturday announced that it has rescued 47 Indian nationals trapped in cyber scam centres located in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bokeo province. The embassy said that 29 people were handed over by Laotian authorities following a crackdown on illegal activities in the SEZ. While 18 people have directly approached the embassy for assistance. In a post on X, the embassy said that its officials went from the capital Vientiane to Bokeo, where they joined hands with local authorities to facilitate the rescue operation. The rescued persons were then taken back to Vientiane, where they were provided with accommodation.
Indian Ambassador to Laos Prashant Agarwal met the rescued group on their arrival in Vientiane and discussed the challenges faced by them and outlined the next steps. The Embassy has completed all the necessary procedural requirements with the Lao authorities for the repatriation of these people. So far, 30 persons have either returned to India or are on their way back home, while 17 are awaiting their return. Ambassador Agarwal reiterated that ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals is the Embassy’s top priority and all requests for assistance have been attended to promptly.
Advice to be cautious and avoid fraud
The Embassy expressed its gratitude to the Laotian authorities for their cooperation and urged them to take action against those who lure Indian nationals into such scams. So far, 635 Indians have been rescued from similar situations in Laos and returned safely to India. The Embassy has issued several warnings advising Indians considering job offers in Laos to exercise extreme caution and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes. Earlier this month, the Embassy rescued 14 Indian nationals from similar cyber-scam centres in Laos. In May, 13 Indians, including seven workers from Odisha, were rescued and repatriated.