Authorities uncover fake job scam

The authorities have uncovered the operations of international organised crime syndicates and human trafficking networks that allegedly lure Pakistanis to Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia with promises of high-paying jobs before forcing many of them into illegal cyber fraud operations, sources said on Friday.

The findings have prompted authorities to warn families against sending relatives abroad on the promise of unusually lucrative salaries without proper verification.

According to the sources, victims are typically taken to Southeast Asia on visit visas and later coerced into working at cyber scam centres linked to international fraud networks.

Sources said traffickers entice Pakistanis with attractive employment offers before arranging their travel to Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia on visit visas. Upon arrival, many are allegedly forced into illegal activities, including working at cyber scam centres operating in Cambodia.

According to the sources, many of these fraudulent companies are involved in large-scale online scams targeting victims around the world.

Authorities have also found that many Pakistanis who never returned after travelling to Cambodia are believed to have been forced to work at these scam centres.

Official figures available with the authorities show that 13,039 Pakistanis travelled to Cambodia in 2024, of whom 1,190 did not return.

In 2025, 11,488 Pakistanis travelled to Cambodia, while 1,933 failed to return, according to the sources.

During 2026, 395 Pakistanis travelled to Cambodia, and 189 have not returned so far.

Overall, the sources said 3,313 Pakistanis who travelled to Cambodia on visit visas over the past three years have failed to return, representing 13.29 per cent of all Pakistani travellers to the country during the period.

Authorities believe many of those who remain missing may have fallen victim to organised criminal networks operating across Southeast Asia, where they are allegedly being forced to work in cyber scam centres after being lured abroad with promises of lucrative employment.

Officials urged families to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify overseas job offers before allowing relatives to travel, warning that organised trafficking networks continue to exploit Pakistanis through fraudulent recruitment schemes.