Gulam Moinuddin, a 29-year-old resident of Kurmaguda, Hyderabad, has returned to India after escaping from a Chinese-run cyber crime den in Cambodia. Moinuddin sought refuge at the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh after being trapped in a fraudulent call centre operation targeting Indian citizens.Moinuddin, a Kakatiya University graduate, initially worked as a waiter at Swagath Grand Hotel in Habsiguda. Struggling with family debts, he sought better job prospects abroad. A friend in Malaysia connected him with agent Gottapu Srinivasa Rao, who promised overseas employment. After transferring ₹50,000 to Srinivasa Rao, Moinuddin was advised to travel to Cambodia instead of Europe. Srinivasa Rao arranged his visa and flight tickets.On January 20, 2024, Moinuddin flew to Cambodia, where he was picked up by a man named Salam. Salam took him 500 kilometers to Poi Pet City near the Thailand border, where Moinuddin was taken to a guest house and then to an interview at a company. He was initially promised a salary of $800 but soon discovered the company was involved in scamming Indians.Moinuddin was forced to participate in scam operations for ten days before refusing to continue. The Chinese agents threatened him and demanded double the amount he had paid. After being idle for 20 days, Moinuddin was moved to another location and coerced into making scam calls. He received only $400 as salary and observed that the proceeds were sent back to China in dollars.His situation worsened when he declined further work. The agents withheld food, harassed him, and demanded a $6,000 penalty for his release. After paying the amount, he was still not allowed to leave.Moinuddin managed to escape by taking a 30-minute break from work to buy necessities and went to a lodge near the Indian Embassy. The next morning, he sought assistance from the embassy. Indian Ambassador to Cambodia, Devyani Uttam Khobragade, helped him secure a new passport and ensured his return to India on August 7.Upon his return, Moinuddin filed a complaint with the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. The bureau has registered a case under charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, wrongful confinement, trafficking, and violations of the IT Act. The investigation into the case is ongoing.