Combating Cyber Scams: Myanmar Ethnic Militia Prepares to Deport 10,000
The Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), a Myanmar ethnic militia, has announced its plan to deport approximately 10,000 people linked to cyber scams in the area under its control to Thailand as part of a crackdown on the illicit compounds.
Scam Compounds in Myanmar’s Borderlands
Scam compounds have mushroomed in Myanmar’s borderlands and are staffed by foreigners who are often trafficked and forced to work, swindling people around the world in an industry analysts say is worth billions of dollars.
Implementation of Deportation Plan
"We have announced to get rid of all scams from our soil. We are now implementing it," said BGF spokesman Major Naing Maung Zaw. "We have made a list and are prepared to transfer about 10,000 people (to Thailand)," he added. The deportations would be carried out in groups of 500 per day.
Coordination with Thai Authorities
The BGF has already sent 61 people across a border bridge to Thailand, and is preparing to hand over "about 500 people including many different nationalities" daily, Naing Maung Zaw said. The military task force responsible for border security in Thailand’s Tak province has coordinated with BGF leaders to receive 7,000 workers from scam compounds, Thai media reported on Saturday.
Combating Cyber Scams
BGF soldiers patrolled workplaces at Shwe Kokko in Myanmar’s eastern Myawaddy township on Friday as part of a crackdown on alleged human trafficking, an AFP stringer saw. Shwe Kokko, a scam compound located in an area under BGF control in Karen state, is a built-up city that stands out among the surrounding agricultural fields.
Human Trafficking and Online Fraud
Cyber scam compounds often lure people from around the globe with promises of high-paying jobs but then effectively hold them hostage and force them to commit online fraud or face severe punishment. Authorities and militia groups in Myanmar and Thailand have made a show of raiding the centres, which have also been linked to drug smuggling and gambling, before releasing and repatriating the foreigners inside.
Recent Developments
Thailand deported 10 Chinese nationals linked to the high-profile alleged kidnapping of an actor who was rescued from a cyber fraud centre in Myanmar, Thai police told AFP on Saturday. More than 250 foreign nationals from over a dozen countries were also rescued from an online scam centre in Kyauk Khet, 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Shwe Kokko, and were handed over to Thailand on Wednesday.
Conclusion
The Karen Border Guard Force’s efforts to combat cyber scams and human trafficking are a significant step towards eradicating the illegal activities in the region. The deportation of approximately 10,000 people linked to cyber scams is a major achievement, and the collaboration between Myanmar’s ethnic militia and Thai authorities demonstrates a commitment to tackling this global problem.
FAQs
Q: How many people will be deported as part of the crackdown on cyber scams?
A: Approximately 10,000 people linked to cyber scams will be deported to Thailand.
Q: How will the deportations be carried out?
A: The deportations will be carried out in groups of 500 per day.
Q: What is the purpose of the crackdown on cyber scams?
A: The purpose is to eradicate human trafficking and online fraud in the region.
Q: Who is involved in the crackdown?
A: The Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) and Thai authorities are working together to combat cyber scams and human trafficking.