More than 570 Vietnamese citizens have been rescued from online fraud camps along the Myanmar-Thailand border, according to news reports. This operation, led by Myanmar's border security forces, is part of a larger crackdown on fraud activities and human trafficking which have surged during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently verifying the precise number of its citizens who were rescued from the fraud centers. Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for the Ministry, confirmed on February 27th, 2024, during a press briefing, the government’s awareness of the situation. According to her, the ministry is working closely with domestic police and its diplomatic missions to provide necessary assistance to the affected citizens.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the Ministry of Public Security on handling this issue, and is directing its representatives to work with local authorities to verify the identities of the Vietnamese citizens and to provide them with timely assistance,” Hang stated. “It is important to adhere to the law when dealing with such violations.”
The Border Guard Forces of Myanmar reported rescuing 7,141 foreigners from various nationalities, including 572 Vietnamese, during operations targeting fraud syndicates centered around the town of Myawaddy and the Shwe Kokko area. The Vietnamese nationals are the second-largest group among those rescued, following Chinese citizens, proving the gravity of the trafficking crisis affecting multiple nations.
The crackdown on human trafficking and online scams along the border has been intensified by pressure from the Thai government, which has undertaken measures such as cutting off telecommunications and electricity supplies to the fraud camps. This has prompted local militant groups, who once protected these operations, to begin assisting those seeking to escape.
Hang elaborated on how Vietnam is actively cooperating with international law enforcement to address the issue, stating, “We are keeping close tabs on the situation and are prepared to take necessary measures to protect our citizens who are victims of such incidents.”
The conditions faced by those rescued have been described as dire. Reports from various media outlets indicate overcrowded accommodations and insufficient resources for food and hygiene. One victim, identified as Mike, recounted to the BBC his experience of being held captive alongside hundreds of others, enduring violence and harsh living conditions. “They only fed us twice daily, and the sanitation was horrible,” he said.
Authorities have struggled with the logistical challenges of repatriation. Oftentimes, those rescued are held temporarily as details are verified and arrangements for their return to their home countries are made, leading to increased tension and concern for their wellbeing.
Meanwhile, victims like N.S.N, who was lured with the promise of work, provide chilling insights on how they became trapped. After flying to Bangkok on the bait of easy employment, she was taken to Myanmar where she learned she was trapped within the fraud operation.
Reports indicate prior incidents of Vietnamese nationals being rescued from similar circumstances, highlighting a pattern of exploitation. Previous rescues included 166 Vietnamese citizens from scams based near the China border and 437 individuals from operations discovered in the Philippines. According to the International Organization for Migration, the rising trend of human trafficking among Vietnamese populations has become alarming.
Jurgen Stock, secretary general of Interpol, noted the transformation of human trafficking networks, which began as localized issues within Southeast Asia but have now escalated to global concerns, generating billions annually. “What began as a crime problem specific to Southeast Asia has become part of a broader global trafficking crisis,” he remarked.
The situation is compounded by the reluctance of the Thai government to rapidly process the repatriation of rescued individuals, fearing overwhelming responsibilities of care. “If we bring these thousands of people back, we will have to look after them indefinitely,” stated Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Consequently, the Thai government is working not only to restore safety to their borders but to also accurately identify those who are genuine victims from those who might have been involved with criminal activities.
Despite the grim circumstances surrounding these rescues, the Vietnamese government is committed to ensuring the safety and legal support of its citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated it will continue to follow the developments closely.