Two Brazilian men, Luckas Viana dos Santos, 31, and Phelipe de Moura Ferreira, 26, have become recent victims of human trafficking after accepting what seemed to be lucrative job offers. Their harrowing experience has sparked concern among families and calls for urgent action from authorities.
Luckas first fell prey to the scheme at the beginning of October. He, alongside Phelipe, was lured by attractive job prospects purportedly available in the technology sector, offering salaries ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 (approximately R$ 9,000 to R$ 12,000). Both men were living abroad when they received these enticing offers.
According to reports, Luckas had moved to the Philippines and traveled to Thailand, believing he was going to start work there. Instead, he was taken to Myanmar, where he was forced to work under distressing conditions.
The ordeal became more apparent when Phelipe was trafficked at the end of November. After being reported missing, he managed to contact his family through social media about three weeks later. "Estávamos sem notícias do Phelipe, até ele conseguir mandar mensagem e descobrirmos que ele estava no mesmo lugar que o Luckas," recounted Antônio Carlos Ferreira, Phelipe's father, as he narrated the moment they learned their sons were together and trapped.
What follows paints a bleak picture. Both men reportedly endure severe mistreatment, including threats and physical abuse. Phelipe indicated to his family, "Eles vão tirar nossos órgãos. Como ficar calmo assim?" ("They are going to take our organs. How can one stay calm like this?").
The Brazilian families, particularly Antônio and Cleide Viana, mother of Luckas, have taken significant steps, but they describe feeling helpless. Unfortunately, the response from the Brazilian government has been disheartening, described by Antônio as merely "protocolar" with little concrete action.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated unequivocally, through phone communication and official notes, “ao longo das últimas semanas, foram realizadas diversas gestões junto ao governo de Mianmar, com vistas a localizar e resgatar os brasileiros - operação que compete às autoridades policiais locais.” ("Over the past few weeks, various efforts have been made with the Myanmar government aimed at locating and rescuing the Brazilians - the operation is the responsibility of local law enforcement.")
This vast bureaucracy stands against the backdrop of Myanmar's political climate, which is troubling. Following the military coup of February 2021, the country has faced international condemnation for widespread human rights abuses, creating treacherous conditions for victims like Luckas and Phelipe.
Even as the Brazilian system of diplomacy operates within certain constraints, family members have voiced anger over the lack of urgency. "Só ficam nos mandando nota dizendo que estão em contato com as autoridades. Será então que Mianmar não tem lei?!" ("They just keep sending us notes saying they are in contact with authorities. Does Myanmar not have laws?!") questioned Antônio, reflecting widespread frustration. The Ministry emphasizes it cannot conduct rescues and instead charges local police with these operations.
Tragically, the stories of Luckas and Phelipe are not isolated incidents. The United Nations reported staggering numbers; around 120,000 individuals face similar fate within Myanmar, trapped under conditions likened to modern-day slavery. Unfortunately, thousands more are caught in the web of human trafficking throughout Southeast Asia, particularly targeting educated young adults with promises of work.
Families like those of Luckas and Phelipe are left anxiously waiting. With each passing day, fears grow of what might become of their loved ones. For Cleide, whose heartache is palpable as she tries to raise funds for her son’s potential escape, the emotional toll weighs heavy. Hoping for rescue efforts, she has turned to online fundraising platforms to raise the exorbitant sum of $20,000 needed to negotiate her son’s release.
Time is of the essence, and the need for decisive action cannot be overstated. Luckas and Phelipe’s plight highlights the dire reality of human trafficking, drawing urgent attention to the need for international cooperation to combat these heinous crimes.
While families continue to advocate for the safe return of their loved ones, it is clear the world must recognize the systemic nature of trafficking and work collectively to dismantle these criminal networks preying on the vulnerable.
