Understanding the Trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar for Online Scams
Kenya’s Ambassador to Thailand, Lindsay Kiptiness, revealed that many Kenyans, particularly young job seekers, are trafficked to Myanmar to conduct online scams. Individuals are trained for ten days and forced to engage in fraud, often targeting Western countries. Efforts to rescue over 150 Kenyans have been ongoing, with continued warnings for job applicants to verify job offers through the embassy.
Lindsay Kiptiness, Kenya’s ambassador to Thailand, has unveiled alarming information regarding the trafficking of Kenyans to Myanmar, where they are coerced into committing crimes in scamming operations. The ambassador revealed that young job seekers, aged 19-35, primarily university graduates, transit through Thailand before reaching Myanmar.
Upon arrival, the individuals are escorted by armed individuals to a scam compound, where they are subjected to ten days of rigorous training in scamming techniques. After completing this indoctrination, they are forced to engage in online fraud, predominantly targeting Western citizens, including those in the United States.
Ambassador Kiptiness indicated that a significant portion of the trafficked individuals comprises Kenyan job seekers aged 13-35, many of whom hold university degrees. He highlighted the alarming trend of university graduates becoming victims of this trafficking scheme.
Once in the compounds, the captives are greeted by armed personnel and equipped with five mobile phones and a laptop to initiate their scamming activities. In addition to traditional scams, they are made to partake in online criminal activities, such as cryptocurrency fraud.
Reports show that regions in Kenya, including the North Rift, Western Kenya, Nyanza province, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Mombasa, and Nairobi, have been significantly affected by this trafficking issue. Furthermore, the ambassador disclosed that over the past three years, more than 150 Kenyans were rescued from such situations, with ongoing efforts to extricate additional individuals who have raised distress signals.
Kiptiness reported that since 2022, efforts have led to the rescue of over 150 Kenyans, while currently, 45 individuals are being targeted for rescue following their SOS messages to the embassy. Collaborative efforts are underway with NGOs and governments of Thailand and Myanmar to facilitate these rescues.
The ambassador cautioned prospective job seekers in Kenya to exercise vigilance when seeking employment in Thailand. He recommended that individuals confirm the legitimacy of online job advertisements through the Kenyan Embassy.
On March 3, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs acknowledged that 64 stranded Kenyans are awaiting assistance at the Thai-Myanmar border after being rescued from scamming operations. The ministry noted that these individuals are part of over 7,000 foreigners rescued by armed factions, including the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army and the Border Guard Force.
In addition to rescue efforts, discussions are being held between the Kenyan government and Thai authorities to reopen the border and assist in the safe repatriation of the affected citizens.
In conclusion, the alarming issue of Kenyan trafficking to Myanmar has been brought to light by Ambassador Lindsay Kiptiness. Through coordinated rescue efforts, over 150 individuals have been saved from scam compounds. The ambassador urges job seekers to remain cautious and verifies employment offers with the Kenyan Embassy. As the Kenyan government engages with Thai authorities for continued assistance, vigilance is paramount for potential job seekers.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
