Beware of Job Temptations: Indians Falling Prey to Chinese Gangs, Tales of Overseas Deception

Recently, cases involving Chinese gangs running fake job rackets have surfaced. These gangs lure Indians by showing them the carrot of employment opportunities. Under the guise of offering jobs, they engage these individuals in illegal activities. This modus operandi has led to several Indians falling victim to their schemes.

What is the Mischief of Chinese Gangs?

The incident where job seekers were trapped in Cambodia, not China, is escalating. In Cambodia, such cases are running under the guise of legal businesses, operated by Chinese thugs involved in cybercrime hubs. 

They have enslaved employees globally, including in India, to operate. One Indian citizen who went there in hopes of a good job ended up ensnared in the net of a Chinese gang in a very bad way. Taking away his freedom by bribing him with money and then bringing him to India.

Who is this Indian?

This is Praveen Marthani, a resident of Telangana. Praveen was actively searching for a good job when he became a member of a WhatsApp group named “Azerbaijan Sri Overseas.” One day, group administrators Thangula Vamshi Krishna and Tota Mahesh offered Praveen a job in Azerbaijan. Praveen agreed and transferred Rs. 1 lakh online to secure the job.

What Happened to Praveen?

Months later, Praveen was left hanging. He neither received a job nor the deposited money. Despite repeated inquiries about the job, one day he was informed that a data entry operator position was available in Cambodia, not Azerbaijan. Thinking it was still a lucrative foreign job opportunity, Praveen agreed. 

He reached Cambodia, where upon arrival at the airport, his passport was confiscated by a taxi driver and he was taken to a large office complex. There, approximately 5,000 Indians were working in various call centers. Praveen realized he had been deceived and was trapped in a situation where he had no choice but to comply.

Did He Get the Job?

Praveen was assigned to work at an office in Sihanoukville, approximately 200 kilometers away from the capital Phnom Penh. There, a call center racket under the guise of a “casino” operated. 

Chinese operators engaged in fraudulent activities such as fake trading, money laundering, and job offers to extort money from people, primarily targeting Indians, Europeans, and Turkish citizens. 

Security in the entire compound was guarded by around 100 Cambodian thugs. Due to this tight security, no employee could leave the office complex without proper authorization.

Exploitation in the Name of Jobs

Working in the call center was a harrowing experience for Praveen. It was mentally exhausting, lacking basic amenities, and enforced strict working hours. Employees were prohibited from sharing personal information with each other, closely monitored for any movement that deviated from their tasks. 

Each employee was assigned a code name for anonymity, with Praveen being referred to as ‘Josh’. Other team members included ‘Robin’ and ‘Loki’ from Kerala, ‘Rolex’ from Tamil Nadu, and ‘David’ from Bangladesh. The environment was restrictive, with constant surveillance to ensure compliance.

Violation of Rules and Penalty

When anyone violates rules, they may face penalties deducted from their salary. Praveen’s monthly salary was $600, but he never received his full pay. Chinese officials often inquire about the details of Indian people’s cities and economic conditions, which can ensnare others based on this information.

How Praveen Escaped from Hell?

Praveen, constantly suffering from exploitation due to the demands of his job, often pleaded to be sent back to India. At times, he was told he could pay $3,000 or bring in another goat. Frustrated, Praveen endured this for five months. The stress took a toll on his health. Finally, he managed to arrange $3,000 and bought his freedom.

What Did Praveen Do Upon Returning to India?

Upon returning to India, Praveen reported his ordeal. He has filed an FIR against a Chinese gang involved in financial fraud and health risks in Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB). 

Such international law matters can be complex when it involves trapping Chinese gangs engaged in illegal activities in Cambodia, which could have dire consequences. It’s crucial for Indian nationals planning to go abroad to heed lessons from such cautionary tales involving huge financial risks and compromised health.