Four Kazakh Citizens Rescued from Forced Labor Scheme in Myanmar
Four citizens of Kazakhstan have been safely repatriated after being subjected to forced labor in Myanmar, according to a report by Uzbekistan’s Dunyo agency under the Foreign Ministry.
The individuals were initially lured to Thailand with promises of lucrative online employment and free travel arrangements. However, upon arrival, they were illegally transported to Myanmar and coerced into working in fraudulent call centers. Victims faced physical violence and threats when they refused to comply, and large ransoms were demanded for their release.
The rescue operation was carried out through coordinated efforts by Kazakh and Uzbek diplomatic missions, with support from the Thai and Myanmar authorities. Due to the absence of Kyrgyz consular representation in Thailand, Kazakh and Uzbek diplomats also assisted eight citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic and two Uzbek nationals who were among the victims.
The group was released at Thailand’s Mae Sot border checkpoint and placed under the care of Kazakh and Uzbek diplomats, who provided temporary shelter and food before arranging their return home.
Interpol has noted a sharp increase in transnational cyber fraud-related human trafficking, with operations initially centered in Cambodia and subsequently expanding to Laos and Myanmar. The incident underscores growing concerns over the global nature of these criminal networks.
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