What is cyber slavery and how is the crisis affecting thousands of Indians in South Asia?

Recent reports have unveiled a harrowing issue referred to as ‘cyber slavery,’ which has ensnared thousands of Indians, compelling them to engage in illicit online activities, primarily targeting their compatriots back home. Many victims, comprising a significant number of tech professionals, sought opportunities in Southeast Asia under the pretext of obtaining well-compensated jobs. Instead, they find themselves trapped in sinister operations orchestrated by cybercriminals, where they are coerced into participating in cyber fraud schemes, such as dating scams and cryptocurrency scams. In light of these alarming developments, the Indian government has initiated a robust crackdown on this growing cybercrime.

What then is cyber slavery?

It is the exploitation of individuals through deceptive online schemes where victims are coerced into forced labor, typically in cyber-related activities like scamming, phishing, or running fake websites. Often lured with promises of legitimate jobs, victims are trafficked, isolated, and threatened to work under inhumane conditions in hidden locations, with little chance of escape. This modern form of human trafficking thrives in the digital world, exploiting vulnerable people for financial gain.

The Scope of the Problem: Thousands of Indians Trapped in Southeast Asia

The crisis is notably severe, with reports indicating that thousands, possibly tens of thousands, of Indians are trapped in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam. These individuals are coerced into performing online scams that generate significant financial losses for victims in India. To combat this menace, India’s Ministry of Telecommunications has taken decisive actions, including the disconnection of 21.7 million mobile phone connections and the blocking of approximately 226,000 handsets. Furthermore, an inter-ministerial panel has been established, incorporating various government agencies including the Home Ministry, Immigration Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, Reserve Bank of India, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Government Crackdown: Disconnection of Mobile Networks and Handset Blocks

Additionally, telecom operators have been urged to restrict incoming international calls that display Indian mobile numbers, commonly referred to as ‘spoofed calls.’ Data reveals that such calls currently constitute a staggering 35 per cent of all incoming international communications. Recent government statistics indicate that among the 73,138 Indians who travelled to these Southeast Asian nations on visitor visas from January 2022 to May 2024, 29,466 remain unaccounted for. The majority of these individuals hail from Punjab, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, with a significant number believed to have travelled to Thailand for ostensibly legitimate employment opportunities.

Spoofed Calls and Missing Persons: Telecom Operators Take Action

Earlier reports highlighted the plight of at least 5,000 Indians trapped in Cambodia, a known hub for cyber slavery. Many of these individuals were initially deceived into believing they would be joining reputable firms, only to find themselves forced into engaging in various cybercrimes. The financial toll of these operations on victims in India exceeds billions of rupees, as cybercriminals exploit their vulnerabilities.

Cambodia: A Hub for Cyber Slavery and Illicit Operations

According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, approximately 45 per cent of cybercrimes targeting Indian nationals originate from Southeast Asia. Since January 2023, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has registered around 100,000 complaints pertaining to such scams. Reports have surfaced this year regarding Indians held against their will, with several being rescued through government efforts. Notably, 360 Indians were repatriated from Cambodia in a span of five months, while more than 1,000 individuals from Tamil Nadu are believed to be entangled in these criminal enterprises across Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia: A Major Source of Cybercrime Targeting Indian Citizens

The nature of cyber slavery is particularly insidious; as defined by the CyberPeace Foundation, it represents a modern form of slavery that commences with online deception and culminates in physical human trafficking. Victims are often lured under the guise of securing high-paying jobs, only to endure grueling work schedules, some upwards of 16 hours per day, in deplorable conditions. Activities they are compelled to engage in include money laundering, cryptocurrency fraud, and romance scams.

Cyber Slavery Defined: From Online Deception to Human Trafficking

The modus operandi of these cybercriminals is alarmingly systemic. They target individuals in their 20s and 30s, enticing them with promises of lucrative data entry positions. Upon arrival in countries such as Cambodia and Laos, their passports are confiscated, effectively rendering them captives. They are then made to conduct fraudulent calls aimed at exploiting individuals in India, often employing deceptive practices reminiscent of ‘honey trapping’ through fraudulent social media profiles. Once victims are persuaded to invest money, they are subsequently ghosted, and communication is severed.

A Global Response Needed: Tackling the Cyber Slavery Epidemic

The pervasive issue of cyber slavery represents a grave and urgent concern that demands immediate attention from authorities and civil society alike. The Indian government’s multi-faceted approach to addressing this crisis is commendable, but a concerted effort involving international cooperation, public awareness, and stringent legal frameworks is imperative to eradicate this blight on humanity and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.