Ambassador Kiptiness Details Trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar for Scams

Kenya’s ambassador to Thailand, Lindsay Kiptiness, reported the trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar, where they are forced into online scams. Most victims are young graduates arriving in Myanmar via Thailand, undergoing coercive training before committing crimes. The Kenyan government has rescued over 150 individuals in three years and continues efforts to aid more. Job seekers are advised to verify job offers to avoid trafficking.

Lindsay Kiptiness, Kenya’s ambassador to Thailand, has detailed the alarming trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar, where they are coerced into committing online scams. On March 6, he revealed that young job seekers, predominantly those aged 19 to 35 and many of whom are university graduates, are funneled into Myanmar via Thailand.

Upon arrival in Myanmar, these individuals are met by armed men and transported to scam compounds, where they endure ten days of rigorous training in scamming tactics. Once trained, they are forced to engage in online scams that primarily target Western citizens, especially those in the United States.

The ambassador highlighted that a significant number of those trafficked are from Kenya’s North Rift, Western Kenya, Nyanza province, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Mombasa, and Nairobi. Kiptiness has reported that in the last three years, over 150 Kenyans have been rescued, and efforts continue to assist more individuals who have signaled distress.

Since 2022, 150 Kenyans have been saved, with current attempts focused on 45 individuals who have reached out for help to the Kenyan Embassy and the State Department. The embassy collaborates with various organizations and governments to facilitate these rescues.

Job seekers in Kenya are urged to exercise caution when considering employment opportunities in Thailand. Kiptiness has recommended that applicants contact the Kenyan Embassy to validate the legitimacy of online job postings before proceeding.

As of March 3, 64 Kenyans await aid at the Thai-Myanmar border, having been rescued from a scam compound. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs stated that these individuals are part of more than 7,000 foreigners saved by two local armed groups. Discussions are ongoing between the Kenyan government and Thai authorities to reopen the border for the safe return of these citizens.

The trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar for online scam operations is a serious concern, particularly affecting young, qualified job seekers. Efforts by the Kenyan government and the embassy in Thailand to rescue those affected are commendable, with over 150 rescues reported. It is imperative that job seekers remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of employment opportunities to avoid falling victim to these schemes. Ongoing cooperation between governments is essential to protect citizens from such trafficking risks.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke