261 Trafficking Victims Rescued from Myanmar Scam Center
Over 260 foreign trafficking victims were rescued from Myanmar’s online scam operations and transferred to Thai authorities. The operation was carried out by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army. Victims faced harrowing conditions, including torture and forced labor. China’s pressure on Thailand to act against scams intensified following high-profile incidents. The situation reflects broader issues of human trafficking and cyber fraud in the region.
More than 260 foreign nationals were rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar and handed over to Thai authorities as part of a crackdown on human trafficking. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), which raided various scam centers, was responsible for identifying and retrieving the victims before transferring them to Thai officials on February 12.
Major Saw San Aung, the DKBA Chief of Staff, explained that operations were challenging due to demands from Myanmar’s junta’s immigration department and the difficult terrain. The rescue was carried out despite these complications, resulting in the safe handover of victims to Thailand.
Eyewitness accounts revealed the harrowing conditions victims faced, with online scam gangs imposing severe work targets and resorting to torture for those who failed to meet expectations. Victims were deprived of sleep, confined in dark cells, and subjected to continuous abuse.
Thai authorities confirmed the victims were transported by boat to Phop Phra, Thailand’s secure facilities, following the transfer of 61 other trafficked individuals on February 6. Many of the recent victims were from Africa, including 46 Ethiopians and 33 Kenyans.
China’s pressure for action against scam syndicates intensified after the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Myanmar. This incident prompted Thailand to enhance its efforts to disrupt these networks, leading to reduced electricity and fuel supplies to Myanmar.
In Myanmar, military leaders have also stressed their commitment to tackling illegal online gambling and scams. General Zaw Min Tun pointed out that many victims are misled by enticing job offers, lured to Mae Sot before being smuggled into Myanmar.
Myawaddy has become a notorious zone for online fraud, with specific areas controlled by Karen armed groups facilitating illegal activities. Reports as of May 2022 indicated that thousands, including many from China, were trafficked to work in scam operations.
The U.S. Institute of Peace highlights that scams from Southeast Asia present a major security threat, with Americans suffering significant financial losses. In 2023, it estimated that $3.5 billion was lost due to scams originating from this region.
The recent rescue of over 260 trafficking victims in Myanmar underscores the growing concern over human trafficking and cyber fraud in the region. The actions by both the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and Thai authorities reflect a concerted effort to combat these operations, amidst pressures for accountability and better enforcement from neighboring nations. Continued international cooperation will be vital in addressing the underlying issues that enable such harmful activities.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
