Myanmar has repatriated more than 100 Chinese nationals involved in scam centres, marking the third batch in an ongoing crackdown against illegal operations. The individuals were handed over to Thailand for repatriation on Saturday, following two previous batches on Thursday and Friday.
The scam centres, which are operated by criminal gangs, are often staffed by foreign nationals, many of whom claim they were trafficked and forced to participate in global internet fraud schemes.
According to a statement from Myanmar’s junta, 111 Chinese nationals were transferred on Saturday via the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 2 at the Mae Sot border town in Thailand. Thai media coverage, including footage from The Reporters, showed the individuals disembarking from double-decker buses and boarding Southern China Airlines flights, with the first 50 departing on a 10:40 am (0340 GMT) flight.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai referred to the scam centre issue as a “complex transnational crime” and noted that measures had been implemented to cut fuel supplies and electricity to suspected scam hubs in Myanmar. He also directed senior Thai police to strengthen border controls to prevent the illicit operations from continuing.
While many of those freed from the scam centres have reported being coerced into working under duress, the Chinese government and state media have described them as “suspects” in the operation.
On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun praised the "thunder-style cooperation" between China, Myanmar, and Thailand in tackling the growing issue of scam centres, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration in combating transnational crimes.
Hundreds more foreigners are expected to be repatriated from Myanmar’s scam compounds in the coming weeks as the crackdown continues to gain momentum.
Source: The Sun (MY)
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
