On Tuesday, February 18, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that numerous Kenyans had been saved from fraudulent facilities in Myanmar following thorough discussions.
The Ministry stated that 261 foreigners, among them 24 Kenyans, were released due to successful negotiations conducted by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
The liberation of the Kenyans came after months of meticulous discussions by the Kenya Embassy in Thailand, working alongside several partners in Thailand and Myanmar.
Along with the 24 individuals saved, the DKBA and Border Guard Force (BGF) also rescued an additional 46 Kenyans, who will stay in Myanmar until they are transferred to Thai authorities.
The victims, who were trafficked to Myanmar in late 2022, were compelled to engage in several online scams, including fraud, identity theft, and cryptocurrency schemes.
These frauds were operated from facilities managed by insurgent factions, making rescue operations more difficult.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also verified that four additional Kenyans fled to Thailand on February 8 and were saved by Thai civilians.
They are currently undergoing processing for repatriation.
The Kenyan government has cautioned against traveling to Myanmar under the pretense of job opportunities in Thailand, since traffickers frequently use Thailand as a bait to attract vulnerable individuals into Myanmar.
The Ministry advises job seekers in Thailand to confirm job offers through the Ministry or the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok prior to their trip.
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