Myanmar's Crackdown on Call Centers: Thousands Freed from Trafficking Rings
In a significant development, approximately 7,000 individuals have been rescued from illegal call centers in Myanmar, with efforts now focused on transferring them to Thailand. The Thai Prime Minister announced a large-scale crackdown on these scam operations, preparing to receive up to 10,000 foreigners from the notorious networks. Among the victims are Indian citizens, though the exact number remains unclear.
As pressure mounts from the Thai government, Myanmar has released around 300 individuals who were coerced into working in these illegal enterprises. Discussions between the two countries are ongoing to facilitate the safe return of the remaining victims. Reports indicate that those rescued bear physical and psychological scars from their harrowing experiences, having been subjected to inhumane conditions and forced relocations between various scam centers.
The illicit call center industry in Myanmar has become a hub for human trafficking, targeting individuals from various countries, including India and China. Victims are often lured by false promises of lucrative job opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative situations. The United Nations estimates that around 120,000 individuals in Myanmar and 100,000 in Cambodia are currently held in forced labor conditions, executing online scams.
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar has previously issued advisories warning citizens against accepting job offers from unverified sources, particularly those promoted through social media. This ongoing crisis highlights the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable populations from such predatory practices.
What's Your Reaction?
