Rescue of Trafficking Victims from Myanmar’s Scam Centers
Over 260 foreign nationals were rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar and transferred to Thai authorities. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army conducted the rescue amid an increasing crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud. Victims were coerced to meet financial targets, faced severe abuse, and were often lured by false job offers, prompting international concerns and intervention.
More than 260 foreign nationals have been rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar and returned to Thai authorities. This rescue, executed by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) on February 12, forms part of a broader crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
The DKBA identified 261 victims during a raid on casinos in Myawaddy District, Karen State. Major Saw San Aung, a chief of staff with the DKBA, stated that the process of transferring these victims is challenging due to demands from the Myanmar junta’s immigration department and difficult terrain conditions.
Rescue workers reported that victims were often coerced to meet high financial targets, endure torture for failures, and were kept in minimal light and sleep conditions while subjected to continuous abuse. Eyewitness accounts underline the brutality these individuals faced in scam operations.
Following their rescue, the individuals were transported by boat to Phop Phra, Thailand, and placed in a secure facility. This action was partly influenced by Chinese governmental pressure after the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January, which raised awareness of the ongoing human trafficking issue in the region.
Previously, on February 6, Thai authorities received 61 individuals trafficked from Myanmar, which included 39 Chinese nationals. The latest group handed over included a diverse array of nationalities, notably 46 Ethiopians and 33 Kenyans, indicating the widespread nature of trafficking in the area.
The Myanmar military has recently announced its coordinated efforts with international agencies to target illegal gambling and scam operations, highlighting that many victims are misled with enticing job offers. General Zaw Min Tun explained that many individuals were lured by fake high-paying job opportunities, only to find themselves trafficked and forced into online scams.
Myawaddy, under the control of various armed groups like the DKBA and Karen National Army, has become a prominent center for online fraud operations. Reports indicate that over 1,225 individuals from several countries have been trafficked into the region under the guise of employment before being exploited in scam activities.
The recent rescue operation highlights the severe human trafficking and cyber fraud issues rampant along the Myanmar-Thailand border. With hundreds of victims harvested for labor under the duress of scam operations, effective measures by the DKBA and international pressure are critical. The ongoing situation calls for concerted efforts to dismantle these criminal networks and support affected individuals.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
