India probes forced crypto‑scam camps and overseas fraud networks

India has opened a criminal investigation after reports that Indian nationals were trafficked to Myanmar and forced to work in cyber‑scam compounds that run cryptocurrency fraud schemes. Victims were recruited through fake overseas job ads, had their passports confiscated and were compelled to work 16‑18 hour days under threat of electric shocks. The case involves Indian, Myanmar and U.S. authorities, with the U.S. Treasury sanctioning a Myanmar militia for facilitating such scams and Myanmar drafting an anti‑online‑scam bill that includes severe penalties.

Separately, a “digital arrest” fraud has defrauded about 300,000 Indians of roughly Rs 4,057 crore since 2022. Scammers impersonate police or other officials, pressuring victims—especially senior citizens—to make large RTGS transfers during video calls. Investigations have linked the operation to organised scam centres in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Officials warn that no legal provision for a “digital arrest” exists and advise the public to ignore such demands.