Caught in the Vortex of the Golden Triangle

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Why in News

Recent reports highlight a surge in human trafficking and forced cybercrime activities in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Victims, including many from India, Pakistan, and Myanmar, are lured by fake job offers and subsequently exploited.

About Golden Triangle:

The Golden Triangle is a major region of opium production located in Southeast Asia.
It encompasses parts of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, and historically has been a significant area for the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, particularly heroin.
Myanmar: The largest contributor to opium production, particularly in the Shan State. Political instability and insurgencies facilitate drug cultivation.
Laos: Opium farming is concentrated in the northern regions, though production is less than in Myanmar.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Laos: Located in Bokeo Province, the SEZ houses Chinese-owned casinos, luxury hotels, and other commercial establishments. It lacks regulatory oversight, making it a hotspot for illegal activities like phishing, crypto scams, and online gambling fraud.
Thailand: Formerly a major opium producer; successful government initiatives have largely eradicated cultivation, but the country remains a transit hub for narcotics.
With Afghanistan’s reduced opium production due to the Taliban’s 2022 drug ban, Myanmar has become the leading producer globally, increasing its land dedicated to opium cultivation to around 47,000 hectares in 2023.

About Golden Crescent:

The Golden Crescent is another major region for opium production, encompassing Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. It has been a critical area in the global narcotics trade.
Afghanistan: Previously the largest opium producer, accounting for a significant portion of global heroin supply. Following the Taliban’s 2022 ban, production has dropped drastically, shifting global supply chains.
Iran and Pakistan: Function as transit countries for narcotics produced in Afghanistan. Both face domestic challenges from drug trafficking and addiction.
The opium bans in Afghanistan led to a 95% reduction in production, but alternative smuggling routes and synthetic drug production have risen in response.

About Cybercrime:

It is unlawful acts wherein the computer is either a tool or a target or both.
Cybercrimes can involve criminal activities that are traditional in nature, such as theft, fraud, forgery, defamation and mischief, all of which are subject to the Indian Penal Code.
Cybercrimes:
- Computer as a Target: using a computer to attack other computers–e.g. Hacking, Virus/Worm attacks, DOS attack etc.
- Computer as a weapon: using a computer to commit real world crimes–e.g. Cyber Terrorism, IPR violations, Credit card frauds, EFT frauds, Pornography etc.

Cybercrime control regime in India:

Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act 2000) is the main law connected with cyber security in India.
- Section 65 – Tampering with computer Source Document
- Section 66 – Using password of another person
- Section 66D – Cheating Using computer resource
- Section 66E – Publishing private Images of Others
- Section 66F – Acts of cyber-Terrorism
- Section 67 – Publishing Child Porn or predating children online
- Section 69 – Govt.’s Power to block websites
- Section 43A – Data protection at corporate level
A cybercrime complaint can be filed using the National Crime Reporting Portal of India-This portal is an initiative of the Government of India to facilitate victims/ complainants to report cybercrime complaints online.