Thailand has taken a significant step in the fight against the billion-dollar online scam industry by cutting electricity supplies to several areas in Myanmar known for housing scam sites. These sites, often run by Chinese crime syndicates, have thrived in Myanmar amidst a backdrop of civil unrest following the military's seizure of power in 2021.
Workers at these scam compounds are reportedly held against their will and forced to participate in fraudulent schemes, with reports of beatings and torture being common. The recent electricity cuts by Thailand targeted five locations near the border, including the town of Myawaddy, where some of the largest scam compounds are situated.
Thailand's Interior Minister highlighted that the decision to cut electricity was based on national security concerns, citing misuse of electricity for illegal activities such as scams, drug operations, and call centers. The move comes amid growing pressure on Thailand to address criminal activities in the region.
The scam compounds, functioning like small cities, not only house online fraud operations but also facilitate gambling and prostitution. Estimates suggest that thousands of victims from various countries, including a significant number of Chinese nationals, are being held under duress in these compounds.
While Thailand has previously cut electricity supplies to similar sites near the Myanmar border, the impact of such actions on the operations remains unclear. Despite the cuts, concerns persist that compound operators may resort to alternative power sources like diesel generators and satellite internet connectivity.
The recent focus on these scams was reignited by the abduction of a Chinese actor who was forced to work in a scam center in Myanmar. His safe return to China prompted calls from numerous Chinese families seeking assistance in locating and freeing their loved ones believed to be trapped in these centers.
As Myanmar continues to grapple with political turmoil and armed conflicts, the proliferation of cyber scams, human trafficking, and other illicit activities has surged, with some operations reportedly operating with the tacit approval of the military junta.
Efforts to combat these criminal activities have seen collaboration between China and Myanmar authorities in the past, resulting in the apprehension of individuals involved in scam operations. However, the relocation of scam centers to new areas in Myanmar, such as Myawaddy, poses ongoing challenges for law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations.
