Kenyan citizens were among the many foreigners rescued from Myanmar scam centres, awaiting transfer to the neighbouring country of Thailand, according to the Kenyan Foreign Ministry.
The first group of 24 Kenyans was freed last Wednesday, followed by another group of 46 who were rescued on Tuesday by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a rebel faction in Myanmar operating along the Thai border.
“They are part of hundreds of other foreign nationals who were trafficked to Myanmar late last year and were coerced into engaging in various online criminal activities such as scamming, fraud, identity theft, phishing, romance scams, and cryptocurrency scams,” said the foreign ministry in a statement on Tuesday.
Scam operations have thrived in the lawless regions of Myanmar, staffed by individuals from foreign countries, many of whom report being trafficked and compelled to engage in deceitful activities targeting people globally.
While many perpetrators are Chinese, individuals from various nations are believed to be involved in this lucrative industry that analysts estimate generates billions of dollars annually.
The Kenyan foreign ministry indicated that the scam centres are primarily controlled by rebel groups opposing the Myanmar government, complicating rescue efforts.
It advised Kenyans to be cautious about travelling to Myanmar for jobs claimed to be available in Thailand.
The DKBA reported that it had discovered around 260 individuals from nondescript “businesses” during searches for forced labour in regions under its authority.
“We are uncertain how they ended up here,” Major Saw San Aung, the DKBA’s chief of staff, told Reuters news agency. “We continue to search for forced labor and will facilitate their return.”
Earlier this month, Thailand ceased the supply of electricity, fuel, and internet access to sections of Myanmar where these illegal operations exist, highlighting the growing concern in Bangkok about the detrimental effects of scam centres on its crucial tourism industry.
Since late January, authorities in Myanmar have identified 1,303 foreigners who had entered the country unlawfully and were working in scam operations in the Myawaddy region.
Myanmar has found itself embroiled in an escalating civil conflict since 2021, following a military coup that ousted an elected government, leading to protests that evolved into a rebellion against the junta.
Large portions of the Southeast Asian nation are now under the control of armed factions, including areas within Myawaddy.
