Rescue Operation Yields Over 260 Victims from Myanmar Scam Centers
More than 260 foreign nationals were rescued from online scam centers in Myanmar and handed over to Thai authorities. This operation, executed by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, illustrates a consolidated effort to combat human trafficking and cyber crime. Reports reveal that victims were subjected to harsh conditions and forced labor, while regional tensions accelerate responses to scam operations.
More than 260 individuals have been rescued from online scam operations in Myanmar and subsequently transferred to Thai authorities, marking a collaborative effort to combat human trafficking and cyber crime at the Thailand-Myanmar border. The rescue was executed by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), which raided numerous scam centers and casinos in Myawaddy District, Karen State. Major Saw San Aung from the DKBA stated that the victims were identified and handed over to Thai officials on February 12.
The rescue operation described by Major Saw San Aung details the difficult process of retrieving victims. “We are handing over everyone we find today, but the process is difficult. The [Myanmar] junta’s immigration department is making demands, and the terrain is challenging,” he explained. Victims were reportedly coerced to meet exorbitant financial targets and faced severe mistreatment, including long hours of enforced labor and insufficient rest.
In the wake of increasing tensions between China and Myanmar after the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, China exerted pressure on Thailand to address scam networks operating in the region. Approximately 61 trafficked individuals, including Chinese nationals, were previously handed over on February 6. The recent handover is part of a broader effort highlighted by Myanmar’s military leadership to tackle illegal online gambling and scam operations, claiming many victims are deceived by false job promises.
Myawaddy has emerged as a significant hotspot for scam operations, controlled by various Karen armed groups. Reports indicate that thousands of foreign nationals have been trafficked to the area, often lured by misleading job offers. These operations escalated following the Karen BGF’s split from the Myanmar military, leading to increased scrutiny on scam activities, which pose considerable security threats and financial losses worldwide.
The recent rescue of over 260 trafficking victims from Myanmar underscores growing international efforts to combat human trafficking and cyber fraud in the region. The operation, led by armed groups like the DKBA, highlights the dire circumstances faced by victims who are often deceived and subjected to abuse. Both China and Thailand are reacting to pressure for stricter measures against these networks, reflecting regional cooperation against escalating online scams emanating from Southeast Asia.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
