The article discusses the alarming situation of trafficking victims in scam compounds near the Thai-Myanmar border. Many, like 27-year-old Seye, endure abuse and are coerced into online fraud activities. With rising numbers of individuals from various regions suffering this fate, the repatriation of 260 individuals highlights urgent international concern. Victims, attracted by job promises, are instead enslaved in dangerous conditions. Research shows an enormous revenue of $63.9 billion generated from such scams, contributing significantly to an expanding global problem that affects thousands.
The massive repatriation comes amid growing pressure to crack down on transnational online fraud operations, from romance scams to gambling and bogus investments.
Research by the US Institute of Peace estimated these scams generate $63.9bn a year in global revenue, the majority of which is generated in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.
Many are lured by the promise of well-paying jobs, but instead end up enslaved in secure compounds where they are forced to carry out online scams.
Seye was among 260 people, more than half of them Ethiopian, who were transferred across the border to Thailand this February by a rebel group.
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