What began as a hopeful step toward stable work abroad quietly turned into a nightmare for several young men from southern India, exposing a well-organised cybercrime network operating near the Thailand-Myanmar border under the cover of employment.
In November, Mir Sajjad Ali, 23, travelled from Hyderabad to Bangkok after accepting what appeared to be a legitimate role as a digital sales executive. The offer promised long but manageable hours, a monthly salary of nearly ₹100,000, and accommodation that looked like a luxury villa with a swimming pool. During a video call, the recruiter showed modern facilities and pressed him to travel quickly or lose the opportunity.
Mir, who relied on part-time digital work after dropping out of college, did not share full details with his family, saying he was going on a holiday. After reaching Bangkok, he initially reassured relatives through video calls, showing a clean workplace and saying his employer was supportive. Days later, communication suddenly stopped.
Nearly 2 weeks on, Mir managed a brief call. His phone location suggested he was near the Thailand-Myanmar border. On January 16, he called again in distress, asking to be rescued. He said he and others were being held in a call centre running online scams. Passports and phones were taken away, and those who refused to work were beaten and abused, according to a relative.
Similar accounts soon surfaced. At least 2 other youths from Hyderabad, Sameer Khan of Maula Ali and Arshad from Banjara Hills, were identified in comparable situations. Several Indian nationals were reportedly forced to meet daily fraud targets, working up to 18 to 20 hours a day.
The cases drew wider attention after a Hyderabad Member of Parliament said at least 16 Indian nationals were lured to Thailand and then moved to the border region, where they were effectively enslaved. He urged intervention from the external affairs minister.
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh later confirmed survivors described being threatened, assaulted, and punished for missing targets. In November, with support from central and Thai officials, 370 people were rescued from such call centres, including 55 from Andhra Pradesh. In January, another 22 youths were brought back. Officials described the operation as “cyber slavery”.
The incidents highlight how economic hardship and polished online recruitment can quickly lead to captivity across borders.
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