Kerala police track Malayalis who travelled to Cambodia amid cyber scam crackdown

Kochi: In the wake of growing Cambodian links to cyber fraud, the police are collecting information on Malayalis who have travelled to Cambodia in recent years. Investigators believe Cambodian cybercrime syndicates have been behind many of the online scams reported across India, particularly in Kerala, over the past two years. Most of those arrested in Kerala in connection with such cases are suspected to be agents of companies operating from Cambodia.

As part of the investigation, the police are seeking to identify recruiters, operators and agents linked to international cybercrime networks. They also hope to trace individuals who may have been lured into the scam operations and are in need of assistance. Central agencies have been approached for additional intelligence and support.

The move comes after the Kochi City Police recently busted a racket that had allegedly recruited more than 150 young Malayali men and women to work at cyber fraud centres in Cambodia. Several of them are believed to have already reached the country.

According to information gathered from those arrested, a large number of Malayalis and other South Indians are working for Chinese-controlled companies that operate these cyber scam centres. Those who prove their capabilities after arriving in Cambodia are often retained by the organisations and encouraged to recruit more people from India.

Apart from sharing in the proceeds of the fraud, recruiters also receive commissions for bringing in new recruits. However, police say nearly half of those recruited are intercepted before reaching Cambodia and are subsequently deported.

Many of the young people leave India believing they have secured well-paid overseas jobs, only to find themselves trapped in cyber fraud operations.

Investigators say those working for Cambodian cybercrime gangs remain in touch with their families back home but rarely disclose the nature of their work because of threats from the syndicates. Even after returning to India, they are allegedly warned not to reveal any details about the operations.