The Scam centers along the Thai–Myanmar border continued operating despite repeated crackdowns. A Thai anti-trafficking network urged the authorities to accelerate rescue operations and dismantle the criminal syndicates operating the scam compounds. The network had been providing information to the authorities since February regarding Thai and foreign nationals who had been lured into scam operations in the Myawaddy area, which was under the control of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
On June 22, Civil Society Network for Human Trafficking Victim Assistance (CSNHTV) reported a letter to the Deputy National Authorities for urgent rescues to assist trafficking over 5,300 victims. The victims were citizens from China (1600), Myanmar (200), Thailand (20), and from several countries: Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brazil, Russia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe,Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Nepal etc. They were held in different compounds under DKBA –
- SKY Company compound and nearby facilities near Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy, Myanmar (2,500)
- Zhongxin Company and associated compounds near Waterfall Park and Three Pagodas Pass (1800)
- Shengri Group compound in Tai Chang 1, as known as Chong Kheap (1,000) and
- Other locations just across the border from Tak province.
SKY Company compound and nearby facilities (near Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy, Myanmar)
Zhongxin Company & associated compounds (near Waterfall Park and Three Pagodas Pass)
Shengri Group compound in Tai Chang 1, as known as Chong Kheap (Kyauk Khat)
Other Locations Along Tak Province
Within these compounds, the victims were held and tortured, abused physically and mentally, ill-treatment, sexual abuse, forced abortions, exploitation, food deprivation, solitary confinement, among other grave human rights abuses. Some victims were held and sold between scam compounds over 2 years and others were also transferred from KK Park scam center, which is known as the most recognizable scam compound in Myawaddy, Myanmar. These compounds were demolished and between 50,000 and 100,000 victims were rescued.
However, according to a United Nations (UN) report, scam centers across Southeast Asia (particularly in Myanmar and Cambodia) continued to operate online fraud, illegal gambling, and human trafficking, harming people worldwide, especially in the United States and Europe. The report stated that these criminal operations expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and gained billions of dollars in annual revenue.
Only two victims were successfully rescued. During the operation, authorities identified four locations where the victims had been held. CSNHTV urged the relevant authorities to coordinate immediate rescue efforts for the remaining victims, ensuring that all operations are carried out in accordance with human rights principles, including equality and non-discrimination, to facilitate their safe return home.
After all, a spokesperson for Myanmar’s military-backed government, which had publicly announced a crackdown on scam operations, did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment regarding the allegations.
Resources
https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/3275324/over-5000-still-trapped-in-myanmar-scam-centres
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