Job scams, crypto fraud: 105 Indians among 3,000 arrested in Cambodia
Tomar detailed being taken to the Golden Triangle where he was forced to take part in investment scams and impersonation frauds.'He described a compound of 20–30 buildings guarded by armed private security, with translators to mediate between Chinese bosses and trafficked workers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh,' the ED note reads.Another victim, Paul, thought he was heading to Dubai for a job interview but ended up in a "digital arrest scam" centre in Poim Phet in Cambodia. 'There were guards trained in Muay Thai, armed with rifles. I was trained for seven days to impersonate a CBI officer. My job was to threaten victims in India, claiming they were involved in illegal activity,' Paul said.He admitted to scamming a person in Maharashtra of Rs 75,000. According to him, the scam centres operated in structured units -- 'Line 1' pretended to be from TRAI, 'Line 2' impersonated police officers, and 'Line 3' acted as DCP-rank mediators offering fake help. Paul worked in Line 2, impersonating a police officer during WhatsApp video calls. The uniformed individual would lip-sync while he delivered threats in multiple Indian languages.Further explaining the crime modus, Paul said iPhones were used instead of computers to avoid IP tracking, and VOIP calls were routed through an app called Bria, with lines purchased from Thailand. He also revealed that Pakistani nationals were trained specifically to impersonate Indian law enforcement officers, making it harder for Indian agencies to trace the frauds.MONEY LAUNDERING AND CRYPTOCURRENCY TRAILThe ED is investigating a fraud network worth at least Rs 159 crore. While significant amounts have been funnelled overseas via cryptocurrency wallets, the agency has seized 3 crore from Indian bank accounts. Eight Indian nationals are reportedly arrested for aiding in the creation of shell companies and laundering crime proceeds.Indian officials describe the broader operation as a "pig-butchering scam" model, where victims were emotionally manipulated through social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, duped into investing in fake stock market apps.CASES FROM INDIAadvertisementSeveral high-profile FIRs have emerged from the investigation, including cases in Faridabad, Noida, and Bathinda. In Faridabad, a woman was defrauded of Rs 7.59 crore after investing in a bogus app promoted via WhatsApp groups posing as ICICI teams.Similarly, a businessman in Noida lost Rs 9.09 crore, and a doctor in Bathinda was defrauded of Rs 5.93 crore. In all cases, victims were added to fake WhatsApp groups filled with planted testimonials of high returns. The scammers then guided them to install fraudulent apps and transfer money into accounts controlled by the syndicate.WHAT NEXT?The crackdown in Cambodia has led to numerous arrests, including several alleged masterminds. The ED is actively working with international agencies to gather more information on those apprehended. Dismantling this operation requires enhanced international cooperation, particularly on cryptocurrency, cross-border transfers, and human trafficking.The ED continues to probe deeper into these operations, aiming to halt the flow of illicit activities and provide justice for those victimised. Close monitoring of cryptocurrency transactions and stricter regulations on cross-border transfers are among the recommended measures.- EndsMust Watch
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