Over 1,000 Rescued from Cyber Scam Centers Near Thailand

Myanmar’s military government has rescued over 1,000 individuals from cyber scam centers, primarily affecting victims from Asian countries such as India and China. This initiative is part of a broader campaign to combat human trafficking as criminal gangs continue to thrive in Southeast Asia, generating billions each year. Thailand is also taking measures to mitigate these criminal activities following specific high-profile abductions.

More than 1,000 individuals have been rescued from cyber scam operations near Thailand, as confirmed by Myanmar’s military government. The State Administration Council announced on February 17, 2025, that approximately 1,030 foreign nationals had been freed from these centers over the preceding three weeks. Authorities have already repatriated 61 victims and plan to return the remaining individuals after verifying their identities.

The majority of those rescued are from Asian countries, particularly India and China, while some hail from East Africa, according to reports from the government’s information ministry. This initiative is part of a broader crackdown on the illegal trafficking operations that involve hundreds of thousands of individuals being exploited in scam centers throughout Southeast Asia, particularly near the border with Thailand.

UN data indicates that these criminal organizations generate billions annually. Thailand has intensified its efforts to combat such operations after the incident involving Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was kidnapped under false pretenses in January. Following his abduction, Thai authorities rescued him in Myanmar shortly after his disappearance.

In response to these growing threats, Thailand has cut off electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five Myanmar border regions to disrupt the operations of these criminal enterprises. Additionally, the Thai army reported the reception of 260 trafficking victims from Myanmar, over 50% of whom are from Ethiopia, reflecting the diverse nationalities affected by these scams.

The rescue of over 1,000 individuals from cyber scam centers near Thailand highlights the persistent issue of human trafficking and exploitation in Southeast Asia. Efforts by Myanmar and Thailand signify a growing acknowledgment of the severity of this crime, aiming to disrupt such operations and repatriate victims. Authorities are taking decisive measures to tackle the problem, although significant challenges remain due to the complexity of human trafficking networks.

Original Source: news.sky.com