India Boosts Efforts to Repatriate Citizens from Myanmar Cyber Scam Traps

In a significant diplomatic move, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday that 2,411 Indian nationals trapped in cyber scam compounds in Myanmar have been successfully repatriated over the past 18 months. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri disclosed that more than 150 individuals remain stranded in these precarious situations.

Misri emphasized India's ongoing collaborative efforts with Myanmar to facilitate the return of those still held captive. He highlighted the intricacies of the trafficking networks, noting that many Indian nationals are trafficked through third countries to reach these scam sites, thus necessitating comprehensive regional cooperation.

The issue was a focal point during the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's visiting President U Min Aung Hlaing, following high-level bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. KK Park, a notorious hub for cyber scams in Myanmar's Myawaddy region, was also mentioned, with allegations pointing to the involvement of Chinese criminal syndicates and local armed groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)