At least 260 foreign nationals have been rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar and handed over to authorities in Thailand as part of an escalating crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud. The rescue is attributed to a recent raid by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), which targeted casinos in Myawaddy District, Karen State.
According to Major Saw San Aung, Chief of Staff of the DKBA, 261 victims were identified and transferred to Thai authorities on February 12. However, the process has been challenging due to the Myanmar junta’s immigration department making demands and the difficult terrain.
The rescued individuals were forced into online fraud schemes, with monthly earnings targets as high as $50,000. Those who failed would be tortured, subjected to continuous abuse, and only allowed to sleep for two to three hours a day.
Thai officials confirmed that the victims were taken by boat to Phop Phra, Thailand, before being moved to a secure facility. The rescue is believed to be in response to pressure from China, which abducted Chinese actor Wang Xing in January and held him captive in Myanmar before his release from scam centers.
China’s involvement has led to tensions between the country and Myanmar, resulting in Thailand cutting off electricity and fuel supplies to Myanmar, affecting areas controlled by ethnic Karen armed groups. This latest transfer of trafficked individuals follows another handover on February 6, where 61 individuals, including 39 Chinese nationals, were handed over to Thai custody.
The victims come from various countries, including Africa, with many being from Ethiopia and Kenya. The Myanmar military has acknowledged its efforts to crack down on online scams and human trafficking, with General Zaw Min Tun stating that victims were lured by promises of high-paying jobs in computer-related fields.
Source: https://www.voanews.com/a/trafficking-victims-rescued-from-myanmar-scam-center/7972816.html