A coordinated effort involving Thai and Myanmar authorities is underway to repatriate about 260 individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking, after they were rescued from online scam centers operating in Myanmar, The Associated Press reports.
The Royal Thai Army announced the operation, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on criminal syndicates exploiting vulnerable individuals in Southeast Asia. The rescued individuals, hailing from over 20 countries, were transferred from Myanmar’s Myawaddy district to Thailand’s Tak province.
Victims of these scam operations are often lured with false promises of legitimate employment, only to be trapped and forced to participate in online scams, including romance scams, investment fraud, and illegal gambling schemes. These operations have reportedly defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars.
The recent rescue operation follows increased pressure from international governments, particularly China, concerned about the proliferation of scam centers along its border with Myanmar. Previous crackdowns have resulted in the repatriation of tens of thousands of suspected Chinese nationals involved in these illicit activities.
Authorities say that the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, an ethnic militia group, was responsible for freeing the workers and bringing them to the border.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai emphasized Thailand’s commitment to assisting in the repatriation process, while also ensuring thorough questioning to identify trafficking victims and gather intelligence to aid in ongoing investigations.
Thailand is working closely with international partners, including China, to combat these transnational crime networks.
