Four Kazakh Nationals Freed from Forced Labor in Myanmar
Four Kazakh citizens have been rescued and repatriated to Kazakhstan after being forced into labor in Myanmar, according to a report by the Dunyo agency of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry. Additionally, two Uzbek citizens have sought assistance from their country’s consulate to return home, while eight citizens from the Kyrgyz Republic were also victims of the same scheme.
The victims were enticed to Thailand with promises of lucrative online jobs and free tickets from Uzbekistan. However, upon arrival, they were illegally transported to Myanmar where they were coerced to work in fraudulent call centers. When they refused to comply, they faced threats and physical violence, with a hefty ransom demanded for their release.
Due to the lack of a Kyrgyz Republic consulate in Thailand, Kazakh and Uzbek diplomats collaborated to secure the group’s release and repatriation. Following negotiations with authorities in Myanmar and Thailand, the victims were freed and transferred to diplomats at the Mae Sot border checkpoint in Thailand. They were provided with temporary shelter and food before safely heading back home.
According to Interpol, trafficking for cyber fraud has become a widespread global issue. Online scam centers initially concentrated in Cambodia have now expanded to hubs in Laos and Myanmar. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in combating such crimes and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
