KATHMANDU: Investigations have revealed the involvement of a Nepali gang in a scheme to exploit Nepalis by coercing them into cryptocurrency and stock trading through online scams, working in conjunction with Chinese individuals in Laos.
The Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau of the Police has reported that the gang abducted two Nepalese individuals in December last year, transporting them from Kathmandu to Kolkata, Thailand, and eventually reaching the Special Economic Zone in the Boya Province of Laos, located within the Golden Triangle region.
As per the Bureau’s information, following a complaint filed by the Nepali Consular Office in Laos, the two victims were apprehended and subjected to investigation.
The Bureau has apprehended two individuals involved in the case: Padam Nepali, 25, originally from Kalikot and currently residing in Nagarjuna, Kathmandu, and Shyam Kumar Tamang, 38, a resident of Gokarneshwar, Nuwakot.
According to the Bureau, an investigation has been launched against both individuals, with the court granting an extension of five days for the proceedings.
Padam Nepali, who has been working as a Chinese language translator in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and other countries, has been discovered to be engaged in illegal activities in collaboration with Chinese counterparts.
It has been revealed that Padam Nepali enticed young individuals by offering them enticing job opportunities in Laos.
Upon their arrival, it was discovered that the gang employed tactics such as creating counterfeit identities on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
They would then establish connections with unsuspecting individuals and exploit them.
These fraudulent activities took place in countries including Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Dubai. Chinese companies would specifically target unemployed youths, particularly citizens from America and Europe, enticing them with alluring job prospects in Nepal and other countries.
The investigation revealed that the victims were subjected to severe psychological distress and coerced into returning to Nepal only after repaying the 800,000 rupees they were intended to carry from Nepal to Laos.
The Bureau has confirmed the involvement of both Chinese and Nepali individuals in this criminal operation.
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