50 Pakistanis Among 215 Rescued in Thai-Cambodian Raid on Cyber Scam Centre
Bangkok, Thailand – In a major crackdown on cybercrime, Thai and Cambodian authorities rescued 215 people, including 50 Pakistani nationals, from a cyber scam center operating along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The raid, conducted as part of a joint operation between the two countries, targeted a criminal network involved in online fraud, human trafficking, and forced labor.
Details of the Operation
The operation was carried out in the border town of Poipet, a well-known hotspot for illegal cyber scam activities. Acting on intelligence reports, law enforcement agencies raided a suspected call center, where individuals were being held against their will and forced to participate in online scams. These scams primarily targeted people across Asia and beyond, luring victims into fraudulent investment schemes, cryptocurrency scams, and fake online job offers.
During the raid, authorities found hundreds of workers confined in the cybercrime facility, working under strict supervision. Among the 215 rescued victims, 50 were identified as Pakistani nationals, while others belonged to countries including India, Bangladesh, China, and the Philippines. Many of them had been tricked into traveling to Cambodia with promises of lucrative jobs, only to be held captive and coerced into committing online fraud.
Victims’ Ordeal and Forced Labor
According to preliminary reports, the rescued individuals were subjected to inhumane working conditions. Their passports and travel documents were confiscated upon arrival, leaving them with no means to escape. Many were forced to work long hours in fraudulent online activities, facing threats and physical abuse if they refused to comply. Victims recounted harrowing tales of being tricked by recruiters who promised them well-paying jobs in IT, customer service, or e-commerce, only to end up in cyber scam centers.
A Pakistani victim, speaking to authorities after being rescued, described the ordeal: “We were promised good jobs, but as soon as we arrived, they took away our passports and forced us to work in a scam operation. We had no way to contact our families or seek help.
Crackdown on Cyber Scam Networks
Authorities in both Thailand and Cambodia have been intensifying efforts to dismantle cybercrime syndicates operating in the region. Over the past year, numerous raids have been conducted in areas such as Sihanoukville and Poipet, where cyber scam centers are known to operate. These criminal networks have exploited thousands of individuals, using them to run online scams targeting unsuspecting victims worldwide.
Following the raid, the rescued individuals were taken into protective custody, where they are receiving medical assistance and counseling. Efforts are now underway to facilitate their safe return to their home countries. Pakistani authorities have been informed about the situation, and arrangements are being made to repatriate the affected citizens.
Government Response and Warnings
The Pakistani government has urged its citizens to be cautious when applying for jobs abroad, especially those that seem too good to be true. Officials have warned against falling victim to fraudulent job offers, advising people to verify employment opportunities through official channels before making travel arrangements.
The Thai-Cambodian raid highlights the growing problem of cyber scam networks exploiting foreign workers. While this successful operation has led to the rescue of 215 victims, authorities emphasize that continuous vigilance and international cooperation are needed to combat cybercrime and human trafficking effectively.
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