Criminal networks continue to lure and trap victims in fraudulent operations. A recent rescue of a Japanese youth and Chinese actor Zhang Mingen sheds light on the dangers of human trafficking.
BY PC Bureau
A 16-year-old Japanese youth has been rescued from a scam center in Myawaddy, Myanmar, where he was allegedly forced to work in online fraud operations. Thai police confirmed his rescue on February 15, describing him as a victim of human trafficking. Authorities believe he was lured across the border before being held against his will.
The rescue comes amid mounting international concern over Myanmar’s scam centers, which have entrapped thousands of people—primarily from Africa, China, and Southeast Asia—into forced labor for fraud syndicates. Thai officials estimate that at least 7,000 individuals remain trapped in these compounds, which are controlled by criminal networks operating in Myanmar’s lawless border regions.
Japanese Teen’s Disappearance and Rescue
The teenager went missing in December, prompting his family to request assistance from the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok. Earlier this month, he managed to contact his family, leading Thai authorities to locate him in Myawaddy. He was later placed in protective custody in Mae Sot, Thailand, before returning to Japan on February 15.
This case is not an isolated incident. In January, Thai authorities also rescued a 17-year-old Japanese high school student who had been lured to Myawaddy under false pretenses. He was allegedly coerced into working for a call center scam after being invited to Thailand by a 29-year-old Japanese man he met through an online game. The suspect was later arrested.
Another Japanese youth rescued from Myanmar scam syndicate#Japanese #Thailand #Myanmar #Scam #TheNation
Read more : https://t.co/ptdAoAMRlR pic.twitter.com/LbaofiLPdg
— Thenationthailand (@Thenationth) February 15, 2025
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Additionally, on February 7, Thai police detained four Japanese nationals for illegally entering Myawaddy and returning to Thailand. Authorities suspect they were involved in scam operations linked to human trafficking networks.
Chinese Actor Zhang Mingen’s Recent Ordeal Sheds Light on the Crisis
The case mirrors a recent high-profile incident involving Chinese actor Zhang Mingen, who was reportedly tricked into traveling to Myanmar and detained in a scam center. He was rescued after four days with the assistance of Chinese authorities, bringing renewed global attention to the growing human trafficking crisis in the region.
Myanmar’s scam centers, often disguised as call centers or tech firms, force victims to participate in fraudulent online schemes, including investment scams and romance fraud. Many trafficked individuals face physical abuse, forced labor, and ransom demands before escaping or being rescued.
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Myanmar’s Lawless Borderlands: A Haven for Criminal Syndicates
Myawaddy, a border town controlled by an ethnic armed group allied with Myanmar’s military junta, has become a hub for organized crime. The area, known for its casinos, money laundering, and human trafficking rings, provides a safe haven for criminal syndicates operating fraudulent enterprises.
In response to growing pressure, Thai authorities have intensified their crackdown on scam centers by cutting power and internet access to Myawaddy and other affected regions. On February 12, officials announced the release of 260 trafficked individuals from 20 countries, including Ethiopia, the Philippines, and China.
Further negotiations between Thailand and Myanmar resulted in an agreement to evacuate 7,000 people in stages, beginning February 17.
International Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
Governments worldwide are working to locate and rescue their missing nationals as reports of young people and professionals being deceived by fraudulent job offers continue to rise. Law enforcement agencies are urging heightened awareness and caution to prevent further victimization.
Despite ongoing rescue operations, thousands remain trapped in Myanmar’s scam centers, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation to dismantle these human trafficking networks.
