More than 5,300 people still held in Myanmar scam centres: rights group
Summary
More than 5,300 people remain trapped in illegal online scam centers in Myanmar near the Thai border, according to a human rights group. These centers are run by criminal gangs and involve human trafficking, forcing victims to work in online fraud schemes that target people worldwide.Key Facts
- Over 5,300 people are still held in scam centers near the Myanmar-Thailand border.
- The centers are mostly controlled by the Myanmar Democratic Karen Buddhist Army militia.
- About 1,600 of those trapped are Chinese nationals; others come from countries like Myanmar, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brazil, Russia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.
- These scam centers continued to operate despite a multinational crackdown last year.
- The scam centers grew quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic and are connected to illegal online fraud and human trafficking.
- Victims face severe abuse, including torture, sexual abuse, forced abortions, food deprivation, and solitary confinement.
- The United Nations reports the scam centers form a multibillion-dollar illegal industry.
- Victims often do not receive proper care or justice and may face stigma or punishment instead.
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