Thousands rescued from illegal scam compounds in Myanmar as Thailand launches huge crackdown
Guardian3 days ago
Thousands of Scam Center Victims Await Transfer from Myanmar
Above: Alleged scam center workers and victims rest during a crackdown operation by the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) on illicit activity in Shwe Kokko in Myanmar's eastern Myawaddy township Feb. 18, 2025. Image copyright: STR/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Approximately 7K people rescued from illegal call center operations in Myanmar are currently waiting to be transferred to Thailand, as announced by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Wednesday.
The crackdown intensified after Chinese actor Wang Xing was kidnapped in January 2024, having been lured to Thailand with false promises of an acting job. This led Thai authorities to implement stronger measures against scam compounds.
Thailand has cut electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to five border areas in Myanmar where criminal groups are known to operate, a strategy that China, which has sent officials to the region to help, has encouraged. Ten Chinese nationals were reportedly arrested in connection with the scam.
The Spin
Narrative A
Scam groups are exploiting vulnerable people from Southeast Asia to the Middle East, tricking them into joining dreadfully unsafe cybercrime hubs. This is a global crisis that cost tens of billions of dollars in 2023 alone, demanding action beyond borders. Every government must bolster anti-trafficking operations to dismantle these networks and protect victims.
Narrative B
Governments also play a role in trafficking, usually through their inaction. Unfortunately, baseless claims — like every celebrity is involved in satanic child rings — divert resources from real victims. Yet, governments, including the US, have historically enabled trafficking through inaction or policy gaps, aiding criminals while conspiracies obscure the truth.
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