Hundreds of Bangladeshis Repatriated from Cambodia After Alleged Human Trafficking into Cyber Scam Compounds

The promise of lucrative jobs, high salaries and a better life abroad has turned into a nightmare for hundreds of Bangladeshis who allege they were trafficked to Cambodia and forced to work in cyber scam operations under threats, abuse and confinement.

Police say Cambodia has emerged in recent years as one of Southeast Asia's largest hubs for cyber scam compounds, where victims from several countries, including Bangladesh, are lured with false job offers and coerced into online fraud.

One woman from Bhanga upazila in Faridpur filed a human trafficking case with the Airport Police Station on July 2 after returning to Bangladesh. She alleged that an NGO worker introduced her to overseas employment opportunities and assured her of a respectable job in Cambodia.

According to the complaint, several individuals and their associates arranged her travel, collecting money in stages for visa processing, air tickets and other expenses. Upon arriving in Cambodia, however, she discovered that the promised job did not exist.

The woman alleged that her passport was confiscated, she was held against her will and subjected to physical and psychological abuse. She also claimed she was threatened with being sold to another criminal group if she refused to follow instructions or attempted to return home.

After receiving assistance through various channels, she managed to return to Bangladesh and filed charges accusing the suspects of human trafficking, fraud and embezzlement.

Another returnee from Lakshmipur recounted a similar experience. He said a recruiting agency and local brokers promised him a computer operator position in Cambodia and charged him Tk530,000 for recruitment, while also obtaining clearance from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).

However, after arriving in Cambodia, he was issued only a one-month visit visa. Bangladeshi brokers received him at the airport, but no valid work permit was ever provided. Instead, he alleged he was sold to a cyber scam compound in exchange for money.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said investigations are underway into the trafficking networks involved.

According to the CID, international investigations conducted by the United Nations, human rights organizations and several governments have found that victims from Bangladesh and other countries are being deceived with fake employment offers and forced to participate in online fraud schemes. Those who refuse are reportedly subjected to beatings, electric shocks, food deprivation, unlawful confinement and ransom demands.

CID Special Superintendent of Police Dr. Jasim Uddin Khan said more than 500 Bangladeshis were repatriated from Cambodia in several phases in June this year. Authorities are investigating the trafficking syndicates responsible for sending the victims abroad.

583 Bangladeshis Returned in One Year

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy and BRAC Migration Programme, a total of 583 Bangladeshi nationals were repatriated from Cambodia in multiple phases during June.

Data from the BRAC Migration Programme show that 362 Bangladeshis returned during the final four days of the repatriation effort, while another 221 had arrived earlier.

Many of the returnees have alleged that they were lured overseas with promises of legitimate employment but were instead forced to participate in cyber scam operations after arriving in Cambodia.