Thousands Trapped in Myanmar After Rescue from Forced Cyber Scam Compounds
Thousands of individuals rescued from forced labor in Myanmar remain trapped in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, awaiting repatriation to their home countries. Many are sick, exhausted, and uncertain of their fate, having been freed from cyber scam operations only to find themselves detained in makeshift facilities without adequate medical care or food.
Last month, a coordinated effort between Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar authorities led to the release of over 7,000 people from compounds where they had been forced to conduct online scams targeting victims worldwide. However, instead of returning home, the freed individuals now find themselves in detention centers controlled by armed groups, with no clear timeline for their release.
Many of those held describe dire conditions. A young man from India reported that 800 people were confined in the same facility, sharing only ten filthy toilets. Illness is widespread, with fever and coughing affecting many detainees. "If we die here with health issues, who is responsible for that?" he asked.
The Thai government and armed groups in Myanmar state that the delay in repatriation is due to slow action from detainees’ home countries. The scale of the operation, which could be one of the largest rescues of forced laborers in modern history, has led to logistical challenges. Meanwhile, human rights groups warn that without broader action, the criminal networks behind these scams will continue to operate.
Estimates suggest that up to 300,000 people may still be working in similar scam operations across the region. Many victims, highly educated and fluent in English, were lured with promises of lucrative jobs in Thailand, only to be trafficked to Myanmar and forced into scam operations. Survivors report grueling conditions, working up to 16 hours a day under threats of beatings, starvation, and electric shocks. "Your passport is confiscated, you cannot go outside, and everything is like hell, a living hell," said a Pakistani man still trapped in one of the facilities.
The cyber scam industry expanded during the pandemic, defrauding billions of dollars from victims worldwide. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that between $18 billion and $37 billion was lost in Asia alone in 2023. Governments have been slow to act, but China intensified pressure after a young Chinese actor was trafficked to Myanmar under false pretenses. His girlfriend’s viral social media campaign led to his rescue, prompting a senior Chinese official to demand a crackdown. In response, Thailand cut electricity, internet, and gas supplies to five border towns in Myanmar, forcing ethnic militia groups to release detainees.
Despite their release, many survivors remain in detention. Most are held in army camps controlled by the Kayin Border Guard Force or former scam compounds, living in cramped, unhygienic conditions with limited food. Exclusive images show detainees wearing multiple surgical masks over their eyes, noses, and mouths while armed guards watch over them.
Fights have reportedly broken out between detainees and security forces. A list provided by Myanmar authorities indicates that citizens from 29 countries, including the Philippines, Kenya, and the Czech Republic, are among those being held. Thai officials insist that foreigners cannot cross the border unless they can be immediately repatriated, leaving many reliant on slow-moving embassy efforts. While China has arranged flights to return its citizens, other governments have struggled to provide the necessary resources. Some detainees remain stuck for lack of a plane ticket, such as 130 Ethiopians waiting for $600 in funding.
Thailand has reduced its intake capacity, now allowing only 300 detainees to cross per day, down from 500. Embassy representatives have been permitted to enter Myanmar to assist, but progress remains slow. "The ministry attaches very high importance to this and is aware that there are sick people who need to be repatriated," said a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson.
Humanitarian organizations on the Thai-Myanmar border are struggling to support the growing number of survivors. Amy Miller, Southeast Asia director of Acts of Mercy International, emphasized the difficulty of reaching those in need despite their proximity. "You can literally stand at the border and see people inside, on their balconies, in these compounds, and yet we cannot reach them," she said. The scale of the crisis, she added, requires a global response.
A recent halt in U.S. foreign aid has further hindered assistance efforts. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration, which previously funded victim support in Cambodia, had to suspend its work after U.S. funding was frozen. Other civil society groups working on human trafficking and rescues in Thailand have also been affected. "It’s heartbreaking to see so many people in need of assistance," said Saskia Kok, Head of the Protection Unit in Thailand for the IOM.
The U.S. government acknowledged the crisis, stating, "The United States remains deeply concerned about online scam operations throughout Southeast Asia, which affect thousands of Americans and individuals from many other countries." Despite international attention, large-scale rescues of enslaved workers remain rare.
While some detainees have been repatriated, the criminal enterprises behind these scams remain largely untouched. Previous attempts to disrupt their operations, such as cutting internet access, have proven ineffective. Many compounds use diesel-powered generators and alternative internet providers, allowing them to continue operations with minimal disruption.
Ethnic armed groups involved in the crackdown have also been accused of profiting from scam operations. The head of the Kayin Border Guard Force has been sanctioned by the European Union and the United Kingdom for his alleged involvement in human trafficking. Activists suspect that other armed groups continue to run similar operations under less scrutiny.
The lack of major prosecutions and the continued operation of scam centers suggest that the industry remains resilient. A 23-year-old Pakistani detainee expressed frustration, saying that the criminal leaders behind the scams are "rich as hell" and will continue their operations. "This doesn’t affect anything," he said.
Meanwhile, conditions for the detained survivors continue to deteriorate. "My friends are in really bad condition, we can’t survive here," another detainee said. As days turn into weeks, the question that lingers for thousands still trapped in Myanmar remains the same: "Is anyone coming for us?"
Comments