India’s Ministry of External Affairs has opened an investigation after allegations surfaced that Indian nationals were trafficked to Myanmar and forced to execute crypto fraud operations inside a cyber‑scam compound.
Case Background
Police in Maharashtra registered a criminal case after the wife of a 24‑year‑old Indian reported that her husband vanished en route to a job in Bangkok. The victim had answered a social‑media posting that promised a graphic‑design and data‑entry position in Thailand with a monthly salary of Rs 70,000 (approximately $815) and traveled in early June.
Alleged Abuse in the Scam Compound
According to investigators, the man was diverted to a facility near the Thailand‑Myanmar border where authorities seized his passport and travel documents. He later contacted his family, describing 16‑ to 18‑hour workdays in crypto‑related fraud schemes, while dissenters allegedly endured electric shocks and other forms of intimidation.
Potential Impact on the Crypto Market
Police claim that hundreds of Indians may be confined in similar locations, a scenario that could erode investor confidence in blockchain‑based projects if substantiated. Regulators and market participants are likely to monitor the situation closely, as any confirmed link between forced labor and crypto scams could prompt heightened scrutiny