Why are Indians trapped in Myanmar's Myawaddy region in cybercrime scams?

Hundreds of Indians trapped in Myanmar's Myawaddy region were lured by fake job offers and forced into cybercrime; a crackdown by Thailand, Myanmar, and China aims to dismantle these scam hubs

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In a significant move to combat cybercrime, a multinational effort involving Thailand, Myanmar, and China has led to a massive crackdown on scam centres in Myanmar's Myawaddy region. This lawless area near the Myanmar-Thailand border has been notorious for hosting cybercrime operations, with thousands of foreign nationals, including Indians, being coerced into fraudulent activities by crime syndicates, many of which have ties to Chinese-run scams.

 

Background and scale of the problem

 

Myawaddy has become a hub for cybercrime, with an estimated 2,000 Indians involved in scam operations, many of whom were lured by fake job offers promising lucrative salaries. These individuals were forced to engage in online fraud targeting victims in India and the US. The situation is part of a broader issue where thousands of people from around the world are trapped in similar scam centres across Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Laos.

 

Rescue operations

 

In recent weeks, several rescue operations have been conducted. About 70 Indians were rescued from a cybercrime hub in KK Park, Myawaddy, by Myanmar's Border Guard Forces (BGF) and relocated to Mae Sot, a border town in Thailand. Additionally, 140 Indian citizens were rescued from scam centres in Myawaddy, with the Indian government facilitating their repatriation.

 

In a broader crackdown, over 7,000 people from various countries are awaiting repatriation in Myanmar border towns, straining local resources. This includes around 600 Chinese nationals who were repatriated via Thailand following a visit by a Chinese public security minister to the Mae Sot–Myawaddy border area.

 

International cooperation

 

The crackdown is a result of increased international pressure and cooperation. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's visit to Beijing in early February marked a significant step, as Thailand agreed to cut off electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to areas hosting scam centres. China has also urged Thailand to clamp down on cross-border power networks supporting these operations.

 

However, despite these efforts, challenges persist. The lawless nature of Myawaddy complicates large-scale rescue operations, and there are concerns that scam centres may relocate or find alternative means to operate. The humanitarian implications of the crackdown are also significant, with fears of a crisis as thousands await repatriation.

 

(With agency inputs)