Cross-Border Cybercrime: India's Emerging National Security Challenge

Context: 

India is facing an alarming surge in cyber frauds originating from Southeast Asia. Between January and May 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported that over ₹7,000 crore was lost to such scams. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has traced a majority of these scams to organized networks based in Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

Southeast Asia-Based Cyber Scams: Scope and Scale

• Over 50% of the ₹7,000 crore cyber scam losses in early 2025 were traced to Southeast Asian countries.

• India is reportedly losing around ₹1,000 crore every month to these scams.

• Scam centres are allegedly operated by Chinese-controlled syndicates.

• These syndicates use high-security compounds to carry out operations.

Forced Labour and Human Trafficking

• Over 5,000 Indians have reportedly been trafficked and forced to work in scam centres.

• Victims from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas have also been identified in these operations.

• Testimonies from rescued individuals revealed several trafficking routes involving:

  • Dubai → China → Cambodia

  • Tamil Nadu → Cambodia

  • Maharashtra → Thailand → Cambodia

  • Delhi → Bangkok → Cambodia

  • Kerala → Singapore/Vietnam → Cambodia

  • Kolkata → Vietnam → Cambodia (via road)

Identified Scam Hotspots

• Intelligence and survivor reports have identified:

  • 45 scam centres in Cambodia

  • 5 centres in Laos

  • 1 centre in Myanmar

Types of Cyber Frauds Identified

1. Stock Trading and Investment Scams

• Promise of high returns in stock markets, cryptocurrency, or mutual funds.

• Victims contacted via social media, WhatsApp, or fake apps.

• Scammers pose as financial advisors and show fake profits to attract larger investments.

• Once substantial money is deposited, scammers disappear.

2. Digital Arrest Scams

• Victims receive fake calls or video calls from impersonators of CBI, IT Department, or Police.

• They are falsely informed that their identity or bank account is linked to crimes like money laundering or drug smuggling.

• Threats of arrest are used to extort money in the form of "security deposits" or fines.

3. Task-Based and Investment Scams

• Victims are offered online jobs or freelance tasks (e.g., liking videos, app ratings).

• Small payments are made initially to build trust.

• Later, victims are asked to invest money with promises of higher returns. Once they do, the scammers vanish.

Recruitment of Indians for Scam Operations

• Agents recruiting Indians have been traced to:

  • Maharashtra

  • Tamil Nadu

  • Uttar Pradesh

  • Delhi

  • Jammu & Kashmir

Government Response and Action Taken

• An inter-ministerial panel has been formed to address vulnerabilities in:

  • Banking systems

  • Telecom infrastructure

  • Immigration processes

• The CBI has registered FIRs against Point of Sale (PoS) agents issuing ghost SIM cards used in these scams.

Conclusion

This cybercrime surge reflects the growing transnational nature of digital fraud, requiring enhanced international cooperation, border control, and cybercrime tracking mechanisms. India’s response will need a multi-pronged approach, including legal reform, public awareness, and global coordination, to curb the rising menace.