Thailand’s government has freed over 300 victims of crypto scams from centers along its border with Myanmar after cutting off electricity, internet, and fuel supply. The raids were carried out as part of an effort to crack down on kidnappings and scams that have been spreading on social media.
According to reports, 261 victims were freed today from scam centers in KK Park and Shwe Kokko, while 100 people were rescued from Tachilek City. The freed victims will be sent to border patrol police camps as authorities gather at the border to transfer them.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that refugee camps would not be set up for those fleeing scam centers, but instead encouraged Myanmar to take responsibility for their citizens. He stated that Thailand cannot predict how individuals will respond to being returned home.
The sanctions were imposed on Myanmar’s border towns last week as part of a bid to improve Thailand’s national image and address pressure from China. The move targeted scam compounds such as KK Park, which handled $100 million worth of tether.
Thailand has threatened to impose further restrictions if the anti-scam measures do not yield results. The government has also warned that it will cut off solar panel, oil, and cooking gas exports if necessary.
The Karen National Army, a militia group that previously protected scam centers, has reportedly kicked out Chinese gangsters running them. Embassies are working to return victims to their home countries.
Source: https://protos.com/over-300-crypto-scam-center-slaves-freed-after-electricity-shutdown