Recent investigations have uncovered a disturbing human trafficking network extending from Visakhapatnam, India, to cyber scam centers in Myanmar's Myawaddy region. Young individuals are lured with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to find themselves trapped in cyber slavery, forced to perpetrate online scams under harsh conditions.

The Recruitment and Trafficking Process

Agents operating in Visakhapatnam, such as the individual codenamed 'Adam,' target local youth by offering attractive data entry positions in countries like Thailand, with salaries purportedly around ₹70,000 per month. These agents assist in obtaining passports and arrange travel logistics, collecting fees under the guise of covering expenses. Once the victims arrive in Thailand, they are transported to border areas like Mae Sot and subsequently smuggled into Myanmar, where they are sold to cyber scam operations for approximately $3,500 each.

Conditions Within Scam Centers

Upon arrival at facilities like KK Park in Myawaddy, victims are subjected to mandatory health checks and confined within heavily guarded compounds. Their tasks involve creating and managing fake social media profiles, particularly of women, to lure unsuspecting individuals into fraudulent schemes. Advanced technologies, including AI-generated video calls and deepfake techniques, are employed to enhance the credibility of these scams. Failure to meet daily targets often results in severe punishments, including physical abuse and torture.

Global Scale of the Issue

This pattern of cyber slavery is not isolated to India and Myanmar. Reports indicate that cybercrime syndicates have enslaved over 250,000 individuals across countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Victims are often deceived with promises of legitimate employment, only to have their passports confiscated and be forced into online scam operations under deplorable conditions. Survivors have reported experiencing or witnessing torture, extortion, and sexual violence.

Recent Crackdowns and Challenges

In response to the growing crisis, multinational efforts have been initiated to dismantle these scam centers. A notable incident involving the abduction of a Chinese actor led to a joint crackdown by Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar authorities, resulting in the rescue of thousands of individuals. However, critics argue that these efforts are insufficient, as many victims remain trapped, and new scam compounds continue to emerge.

The Role of Armed Groups

Complicating the situation further, certain scam operations are reportedly protected by armed factions, such as the Myanmar junta-affiliated Karen Border Force Guard (BGF). Leaders like Saw Chit Thu, commander of the BGF, have been implicated in these activities but deny involvement, claiming their roles are limited to landownership. Despite these denials, the BGF's known income sources suggest a deeper connection to the scam operations.