More than 260 foreign nationals were rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar and transferred to Thai authorities. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army conducted the operation amid a crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud. Eyewitness accounts reveal severe abuse and exploitative conditions faced by victims while receiving international pressure to combat such scams.
More than 260 foreign nationals have been rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar, with their transfer to Thai authorities marking a significant step in combating human trafficking and cyber fraud in the region. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) conducted a raid on February 11, identifying 261 victims, who were subsequently handed over to Thai officials on February 12.
Major Saw San Aung, Chief of Staff for the DKBA, explained that the group targeted casinos in the Myawaddy District, searching for trafficked individuals. He acknowledged the difficulties in the rescue process, stating, “The [Myanmar] junta’s immigration department is making demands, and the terrain is challenging.”
Rescue efforts revealed harrowing conditions faced by the victims, who were coerced into meeting high earnings targets under severe duress. Eyewitness accounts described that they experienced torture and were confined to dark cells with minimal sleep and continuous abuse.
The rescued individuals were transported to Thailand’s Phop Phra via boat, following a pattern of crackdowns on scam networks coaxed by pressure from China after a notable kidnapping incident. Increased scrutiny resulted from this incident, prompting Thailand to restrict electricity and fuel supplies to Myanmar.
Previously, in February, authorities facilitated the handover of 61 trafficked individuals, including 39 Chinese nationals. The recent group included various individuals from Africa, notably 46 Ethiopians and 33 Kenyans. Myanmar’s military leadership has pledged to cooperate with the international community to address online gambling and scams.
Myawaddy has gained notoriety as a haven for scam syndicates, with unchecked trafficking leading to widespread abuse. Reports from May 2022 indicated that over 1,200 individuals, particularly from China and other regions, were coerced into online scam operations there.
The Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) rebranding efforts have brought greater scrutiny to these operations, following their separation from the Myanmar military. The U.S. Institute of Peace has highlighted the security threats posed by scams originating from Southeast Asia, noting substantial financial losses—estimated at $3.5 billion in 2023 for American victims.
The recent rescue of over 260 trafficking victims in Myanmar signifies a critical intervention against human trafficking and online scam operations. As international pressure increases, particularly from China, Thailand’s crackdown on these networks illustrates a heightened awareness of the dire situations faced by victims. With ongoing efforts to address these heinous acts, it remains essential to continue focusing on the security challenges posed by these syndicates and the systemic factors that facilitate such criminal activity.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
