261 Trafficking Victims Rescued from Myanmar Scam Operations

Over 260 foreign nationals were rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar, marking an escalating effort to combat human trafficking and cyber fraud. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army conducted the raid, transferring the victims to Thai authorities. This incident reflects a larger issue of trafficking in the region, particularly affecting individuals lured by false job promises, amidst increased international pressure on associated networks.

Recently, 261 foreign nationals were rescued from Myanmar’s online scam operations and subsequently handed over to Thai authorities. This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud along the border between Myanmar and Thailand. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a local insurgent group, conducted the raid and transferred the victims on February 12, following an extensive identification process the previous day.

The Chief of Staff of the DKBA, Major Saw San Aung, reported in an interview that his forces targeted casinos in the Myawaddy District of Karen State. He noted, “On February 11, we identified 261 victims and transferred them to Thai authorities on February 12.” Major Aung emphasized the challenges faced during this rescue, referencing undue demands from the Myanmar junta’s immigration department and difficult terrain in victim retrieval efforts, stating, “We have to retrieve the victims ourselves before transferring them to the nearest Thai authorities.”

An anonymous rescue worker shared that trafficking victims are coerced into meeting significant monthly financial targets, often resulting in severe torture and abuse if they fail. Victims endure relentless work hours, limited rest, and confinement to dark cells, where they suffer constant mistreatment. These abuses underline the urgent need for international attention and intervention in such operations.

Thai authorities confirmed that rescued individuals were transported by boat to Phop Phra, Thailand, before being relocated to a secure facility. This incident intensified tensions between China and Myanmar, particularly following the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January. China’s pressure on Thailand has reportedly contributed to Thailand’s decision to halt electricity and fuel supplies to Myanmar, affecting regions controlled by ethnic armed groups.

On February 6, a previous transfer occurred when 61 trafficking victims, including 39 from China, were handed over to Thai authorities by Myanmar’s ruling military junta and the Karen Border Guard Force. Among the latest group were numerous individuals from Africa, including 46 Ethiopians and 33 Kenyans, highlighting the international dimension of this trafficking crisis. Moreover, the military junta has communicated its cooperation with the global community in efforts to reduce cyber fraud and illegal gambling activities.

The Myawaddy region, controlled by various armed groups, has become a hotspot for online scam syndicates. Reports from May 2022 indicated that over 1,200 individuals, primarily Chinese nationals, had been trafficked to Shwe Kokko for participation in these fraud schemes. The rise in scrutiny following changes in the Karen BGF’s affiliation with the military has drawn more attention to these operations.

The U.S. Institute of Peace has warned of the substantial security threat posed by online scams originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, which have resulted in considerable financial losses in the United States. In 2023 alone, it was estimated that $3.5 billion was lost to scams targeting Americans, illustrating the far-reaching implications of trafficking and cyber crime that require decisive actions.

In summary, the rescue of 261 trafficking victims from Myanmar highlights a growing concern regarding human trafficking and online scams within the region. The involvement of local insurgent groups in these operations demonstrates the complexities of addressing these issues. Furthermore, rising international pressure, notably from China, has compelled neighboring nations to strengthen their efforts against such nefarious activities. Ultimately, these incidents underline the necessity for global collaboration to combat human trafficking and fraud.

Original Source: www.voanews.com