Over 260 Trafficking Victims Rescued from Myanmar Scam Centers

Over 260 foreign nationals were rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar and handed over to Thai authorities. This rescue is part of a crackdown on human trafficking, led by the DKBA, which discovered the victims in raid operations. Conditions for victims were reportedly harsh, including enforced labor and abuse. The operation indicates broader pressures on Myanmar’s regime regarding trafficking and scam activities.

More than 260 foreign nationals have recently been rescued from human trafficking operations linked to online scams in Myanmar. This significant operation underscores the escalating efforts to combat cyber fraud and human trafficking along the border with Thailand, following an intervention by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) which raided various scam centers in the region. Victims were identified and subsequently handed over to Thai authorities on February 12.

Major Saw San Aung, Chief of Staff for the DKBA, provided details about the raid, noting that the group aimed to recover trafficked foreign workers. The identification of 261 victims on February 11 facilitated this transfer. He indicated that the process is intricate, hampered by demands from the Myanmar junta’s immigration department and the challenging terrain.

According to a rescue worker who spoke anonymously for safety reasons, victims in these scam operations are subjected to severe conditions, required to meet exorbitant monthly earnings targets of $50,000. Those who fail to meet these targets endure torture and extreme deprivation, including limited sleep and constant abuse in confinement.

The Thai authorities confirmed that the rescued individuals were transported to Phop Phra before being relocated to a secure facility. This rescue follows a previous handover of 61 trafficked individuals to Thai officials, which included 39 Chinese nationals. Among the latest group, many are from Africa, with 46 Ethiopians and 33 Kenyans being rescued.

Tensions have also risen between China and Myanmar recently after the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was subsequently rescued from similar scam centers. In response, China has pressured Thailand to take action against these illegal networks, which is believed to have influenced Thailand’s decision to cut off power and fuel supplies to Myanmar.

Myawaddy, the epicenter of these scams in Karen State, is controlled by several armed groups, including the DKBA and the Karen Border Guard Force. This area has become notorious for hosting online fraud operations, often luring victims with false job promises and subsequently forcing them to participate in illicit activities, as reported by multiple sources.

The United States Institute of Peace warns that online scams originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, present a significant security threat and cause considerable financial losses in the United States. In 2023, it was reported that Americans lost an estimated $3.5 billion to such scams, which include forced labor and deceptive job offers that target victims in various ways.

In summary, this rescue operation highlights the ongoing efforts to address the serious issues of human trafficking and cyber fraud in Myanmar. The collaboration between the DKBA and Thai authorities marks a crucial step in recovering victims from dire conditions. Furthermore, heightened international scrutiny and pressure, particularly from China, reflects the global imperative to combat these criminal networks effectively.

Original Source: www.voanews.com