Over 1,000 individuals were rescued from cyber scam centres in Myanmar, effectively addressing the issue of human trafficking in the region. The majority of victims are from Asia, with some from East Africa, and authorities are repatriating them as part of a larger crackdown on these illicit operations. Thailand has implemented several measures to combat these scams.
In a significant development, more than 1,000 individuals have been rescued from illicit cyber scam centres in Myanmar, as announced by the military government on February 17, 2025. The State Administration Council reported that approximately 1,030 foreign nationals were liberated from these criminal operations within the preceding three weeks. Authorities have facilitated the return of 61 victims to their home countries and will continue to repatriate others following confirmation of their identities.
The victims predominantly hail from Asian nations, including India and China, with a smaller number originating from East Africa. The rescue operation is part of a broader initiative aimed at combating human trafficking and exploitative labour practices prevalent in the region. According to the United Nations, these criminal syndicates generate substantial profits annually and largely operate throughout Southeast Asia, particularly along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Thailand has intensified its efforts to dismantle these scam operations, particularly following the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January, who was misled into coming to the country under the guise of an acting job. He was subsequently rescued by Thai law enforcement in Myanmar shortly after his disappearance. In response to the escalating issue, Bangkok has initiated measures including the suspension of electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five border regions in Myanmar to disrupt these criminal organisations.
Recently, the Thai military reported receiving 260 trafficking victims from Myanmar, with a notable portion being from Ethiopia. Their identification processes revealed that the group consisted of individuals from 20 different nationalities. This underscores the complexity and international dimensions of the trafficking problem that authorities are currently confronting.
This recent rescue operation highlights the ongoing issues of human trafficking and exploitation within cyber scam centres in Southeast Asia. Efforts by Myanmar and Thailand demonstrate a commitment to combating these syndicates and returning victims to safety. The international nature of the victims and the operations underscores the urgent need for collaborative regional strategies to address human trafficking and support the repatriation of affected individuals.
Original Source: news.sky.com
