Chinese Gangs Exploiting Nepali Youths in Online Fraud Scams

Kathmandu, Nepal – Alarming reports have emerged of Chinese gangs luring unsuspecting Nepali youths into online fraud schemes, with victims being coerced into traveling to various countries, including Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. These fraudulent operations have highlighted the vulnerability of young Nepalese individuals seeking opportunities abroad.

One victim, a 30-year-old Gorkha man, shared his ordeal of being enticed by promises of a lucrative monthly salary of $15,000 working in a beer company in Laos. He paid Rs 60,000 as an initial fee to the agents who convinced him that his family would take care of the remaining expenses. His friend’s enthusiastic endorsement of the opportunity further fueled his decision to embark on this journey. However, the harsh reality soon unfolded, Nagariknews reported.

“After reaching Laos, we realized that everything we had been told was a lie. We were lured into online fraud schemes that exploited our knowledge and skills,” the victim lamented.

He went on to explain the elaborate process by which the gang operated. The Nepali agents instructed them to travel via Kolkata to avoid scrutiny and make their way to Laos through Bangkok. Once in Laos, they were met by a Chinese individual who introduced them to the fraudulent activities.

Their modus operandi involved creating fake social media profiles and engaging with individuals, both men and women, with enticing offers to invest money in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The victims were essentially groomed for online fraud, and many unwitting individuals fell victim to this elaborate scheme.

According to another victim, the gang had made millions of dollars through these fraudulent practices, with the perpetrators often targeting American and European citizens.

The victims were left with feelings of betrayal and desperation, prompting them to share their stories and seek justice. Those who managed to return to Nepal were haunted by their harrowing experiences and the exploitation they endured at the hands of the Chinese gang.

These illegal operations have taken a significant toll on Nepali youth, particularly those struggling with economic hardships, pushing them to seek opportunities in countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Once they realized the true nature of the work they were involved in, many have returned home, eager to share their stories and seek justice.

The victims approached the Bureau of Human Trafficking Investigation, where they shared their experiences and the trauma they endured. The victims’ accounts revealed the extent of manipulation and exploitation orchestrated by the Chinese gang members.

SSP Jeevan Kumar Shrestha of the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of online fraud in Nepal. He stated that many victims had suffered physical and mental abuse at the hands of the gangs and the agents who lured them into these schemes.

Efforts have been made to bring the perpetrators to justice, with several individuals, including a Chinese national, being arrested based on the victims’ testimonies. The extent of online scamming is becoming increasingly worrisome, with Chinese gangs exploiting the economic vulnerabilities of young individuals in countries like Nepal.

The victims’ testimonies highlight the need for stronger law enforcement and international cooperation to combat these fraudulent operations. As the problem continues to escalate, it is essential to raise awareness and provide support to those who have fallen victim to these scams. The Bureau of Human Trafficking Investigation has received multiple complaints related to online fraud, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this growing issue and bringing the culprits to justice.