More than 260 foreign nationals, including Sri Lankans, who were trapped in cybercrime camps in Myanmar, have been rescued and handed over to Thai authorities.
The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Myanmar rebel group, raided the cybercrime camps in Myawaddy District on February 11 and freed 261 foreign victims. The rescued individuals, including nationals from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Brazil, Nepal, Kenya, Laos, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Taiwan, were handed over to Thai authorities the following day.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath requested urgent assistance from his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa, to ensure the safe repatriation of trafficked Sri Lankans. Thailand has already facilitated the return of 58 Sri Lankans, while efforts are ongoing to rescue 18 more who are reportedly still trapped and facing mistreatment.
The crackdown on human trafficking and cyber fraud along the Myanmar-Thailand border has intensified, with the DKBA highlighting the challenges of rescuing victims due to demands from Myanmar’s Junta immigration authorities and the difficult terrain.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, in coordination with Thailand and Myanmar, continues to work toward securing the safe return of the remaining victims.
