Myanmar Rescues Over 1,000 from Cyber Scam Centres Amid…

Myanmar has rescued over 1,000 individuals from cyber scam centres, with many victims hailing from Asia and East Africa. The government is returning these individuals as part of a crackdown on human trafficking operations that exploit victims for illegal work. Thailand has also intensified efforts against these activities following recent high-profile abductions.

On February 17, 2025, Myanmar’s military government reported the rescue of over 1,000 individuals from cyber scam centres near Thailand. This operation, which took place over the course of three weeks, involved the State Administration Council announcing that 1,030 foreign nationals had been liberated. Among those rescued, 61 individuals have already been returned to their respective countries, while the remainder will be sent home following the verification of their personal details.

According to official statements, the victims primarily hail from various Asian nations, particularly India and China, with some others originating from East Africa. This initiative is part of a broader crackdown on the human trafficking operations that exploit hundreds of thousands for illegal work in cyber scam activities, which reportedly generate billions in profits annually across Southeast Asia, especially along the Thai-Myanmar border.

In response to increasing concerns over these criminal activities, Thailand has intensified its efforts to dismantle scam operations. This came in light of the high-profile abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in January, who was deceived into coming to Thailand under false pretenses of securing an acting role. He was subsequently rescued by Thai law enforcement, who located him in Myanmar shortly after his disappearance.

Further actions taken by Thai authorities include cutting off electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five border areas in Myanmar in a targeted effort to disrupt these illicit operations. Last week, the Thai army announced it has received 260 human trafficking victims from Myanmar, with a significant proportion of them, more than 50%, being Ethiopian nationals. The army detailed that these individuals represented 20 different nationalities following a thorough screening process.

The recent rescue of over 1,000 individuals from cyber scam centres underscores the severe issue of human trafficking for illegal exploitation in Southeast Asia. Myanmar’s decisive actions reflect the ongoing regional efforts to combat these criminal enterprises. As authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand work collaboratively, the focus remains on restoring safety and dignity to victims of these heinous operations and preventing future trafficking incidents.

Original Source: news.sky.com