Q. There are lots of discussions on ‘cyber slavery’ and ‘scam compound’. Discuss its context, causes, modus operandi and geographical prevalence. Describe the steps taken by the Government of India to counter the challenges posed in this regard.
Ans: The increasing discourse around cyber slavery and scam compounds signals a disturbing evolution in organized cybercrime and human trafficking. These forms of exploitation have intensified due to technological advancements, transnational crime networks, and vulnerabilities in youth employment.
Context and Causes
Cyber slavery refers to the coercion of individuals into cybercrime operations, often under false pretenses of employment. Key causes include:
- Rising unemployment and digital illiteracy among youth.
- Deceptive online job ads promising high salaries in data entry or tech roles.
- Weak regulatory frameworks in transit and host countries.
- Expansion of digital financial fraud markets, particularly targeting Indian citizens.
Modus Operandi
- Victims are recruited through social media and third-party agents.
- Upon arrival in foreign locations, passports are seized and victims are confined.
- Forced to work in scam compounds, individuals commit cyber fraud under threat.
- Common scams include fake investment pitches, romance fraud, and impersonation of law enforcement.
Geographical Prevalence
- Concentrated in Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
- Indian victims often come from Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra, Bihar, and other economically vulnerable regions.
Government of India’s Response
- Massive cleanup of mobile networks and handsets linked to digital fraud.
- Establishment of a multi-agency task force involving law enforcement and intelligence units.
- Rescue efforts to bring back trafficked individuals.
- Introduction of cybercrime helplines, reporting portals, and public awareness campaigns to prevent victimization.
In conclusion, combating cyber slavery demands holistic strategies, combining tech regulation, international coordination, and community-level vigilance to disrupt these evolving networks.