Indian Youth Trapped in Cambodia Cyber Fraud Racket, Returns Home After Ordeal

Dhanoora Silvernagar resident Vikas Rana, who had gone abroad in search of a job, was allegedly held hostage and forced to commit cyber fraud in Cambodia. The incident came to light after Vikas returned home and narrated his ordeal to the police.

According to a complaint filed by his wife, Dolly, Vikas had left home on July 17, saying he was going to Thailand for a data entry job. Ten days later, he informed her that the company had instead sent him to Cambodia, while his companion Amit was taken elsewhere. On October 14, Vikas called again and said his passport had been seized and he was being tortured to carry out cybercrime activities.

Taking cognizance of the matter, SP Suraj Kumar Rai sent a detailed report to the Cyber Crime Headquarters in Lucknow and also informed the Indian Cyber Crime Command Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs.

After returning, Vikas revealed that many youths from different countries were similarly detained and forced into illegal online activities. He said that whenever he asked to return home, he was beaten and threatened.

The SP urged people to stay alert to agents who entice job seekers with promises of high salaries and easy foreign placements. The police have appealed to the public to report any such fraudulent agents to prevent more youths from falling into such traps.