Ethiopian Men Share Shocking Abuse Stories from Myanmar Scam Compounds

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post

 

An alarming tale of human trafficking and exploitation has emerged as four Ethiopian men, among 260 people released from Myanmar, recounted harrowing abuse within notorious scam compounds. These victims, primarily trafficked under false pretences, have found temporary refuge in a Thai military camp in Fort Wachiraprakan.

 

Yotor, a 19-year-old Ethiopian, bravely showcased scars and bruises, including cuts along his leg, to highlight the brutality endured during his captivity. "I got a lot of punishments," Yotor confided, detailing the daily electric shocks he suffered as part of the compound’s horrific disciplinary measures.

 

The multinational crackdown on these compounds marks Thailand’s first significant action against the criminal syndicates that have trafficked thousands to operate illegal online scams along the Thai-Myanmar border. Fuelled by the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was ultimately rescued, Thailand enhanced its efforts following China's concerns and calls for intervention.

 

In response, Thailand has strategically cut electricity, fuel, and internet supplies to key border areas. These actions align with Beijing's objective to repatriate scam victims and perpetrators. A top Chinese security official is majorly involved in these operations, focusing on humane repatriation and dismantling the trafficking networks.

The Ethiopian men, including Yotor, were misled by promises of legitimate employment but found themselves trapped and coerced into scamming unwitting internet users. Faysal, a 21-year-old Bangladeshi, relayed how the victims were forced to engage in relentless 20-hour workdays aimed at defrauding unsuspecting men using platforms like WhatsApp.

 

Faysal explained their horrendous predicament, sharing that once targets were hooked through false emotional connections, the scam protocol dictated that victims manipulate for financial gain. When employees failed to meet the exploiters' demands, severe beatings followed.

 

"We are not scammers," Faysal pleaded in his testimony. "We are victims."

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra disclosed that approximately 7,000 people await transfer from Myanmar to Thailand under the ongoing repatriation initiative. Among these, around 600 Chinese nationals will soon be flown home, as coordinated by Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, solidifying both nations' commitment to addressing and resolving this grim human trafficking crisis.

 

These revelations shine a spotlight on the urgent need for continued international cooperation and comprehensive strategies to protect and support the victims, dismantle trafficking networks, and ensure justice for those systematically oppressed by these criminal syndicates, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-20

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

We (and the government) have known that this has been going on for ages.

Thailand finally gets off its butt only when Big Brother Xi says something .

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

We (and the government) have known that this has been going on for ages.

Thailand finally gets off its butt only when Big Brother Xi says something .

And Chinese have been paying off Myanmar Generals to turn a blind eye,