Ambassador Discusses Trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar for Scams

Kenya’s ambassador to Thailand revealed how Kenyans are trafficked to Myanmar to carry out online scams. Most victims are young job seekers, particularly university graduates, who face rigorous training upon arrival. The ambassador reported ongoing rescue efforts and emphasized the need for vigilance among potential job applicants.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Thailand, Lindsay Kiptiness, detailed the trafficking of Kenyan individuals to Myanmar, where they are coerced into committing crimes at scam compounds. During a briefing on March 6, he explained that many trafficked Kenyans are job seekers aged 19 to 35, predominantly university graduates who reach Myanmar via Thailand.

Once in Myanmar, these individuals are greeted by armed men and taken to scam facilities, where they undergo a ten-day training program in scamming activities. After this period, they are compelled to engage in online scams targeting individuals, especially in Western countries like the United States.

Ambassador Kiptiness noted that a significant portion of the victims comes from regions such as North Rift, Western Kenya, Nyanza, and major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. He highlighted that the Kenyan government has successfully rescued over 150 nationals in the last three years and is currently working to extract an additional 45 who have sent out distress signals.

The trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar for online scams is an alarming trend that primarily affects young and qualified job seekers. The Kenyan embassy, in collaboration with various partners, is actively working to rescue victims and raise awareness about the dangers of job scams abroad. It is crucial for job seekers to be cautious and verify job offerings through official channels to avoid falling into trafficking traps.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke