Government urges caution as 28 Kenyans freed from Myanmar scams

Kenya has cautioned citizens against falling victim to human traffickers after 28 Kenyans were rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar, with authorities warning that traffickers use Thailand as a gateway to lure job seekers.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs confirmed that the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) negotiated the release of 261 foreign nationals from 18 countries on February 12, including 24 Kenyans.

Another four Kenyans had earlier escaped to Thailand on February 8 and were rescued by Thai civilians before being handed over to border security.

A second operation on February 18 saw an additional 46 Kenyans rescued by the DKBA and Border Guard Force, though they remain in Myanmar pending transfer to Thai authorities.

The victims were among hundreds trafficked into Myanmar last year and forced to engage in online scams, including fraud, identity theft, phishing, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud.

The ministry said the rescue efforts were led by the Kenya Embassy in Thailand in collaboration with various partners in both Thailand and Myanmar.

 The operation faced challenges as the scam centres were located in areas controlled by rebel groups fighting the Myanmar government.

Authorities urged Kenyans seeking overseas employment to verify job offers through the ministry  or the Kenya Embassy in Bangkok before travelling.

 “Kenyans should be aware that traffickers use Thailand as a trapdoor to lure vulnerable youth into Myanmar,” said the ministry.