Pakistanis rescued as Myanmar cracks down on online fraud centres

Myanmar’s local military has carried out a crackdown on online fraud centres, recovering hundreds of foreign nationals, including 38 Pakistanis.

According to reports, the Thai Army rescued the 38 Pakistanis after they crossed the Myanmar border and shifted them to the Bangkok Immigration Centre.

The released Pakistani nationals will be deported in phases, and Thai authorities have formally informed the Government of Pakistan through an official letter.

The Thai government stated that an additional 60 Pakistanis are currently staying in a shelter house in Myanmar after escaping from fraud centres.

Thai authorities have urged Pakistani institutions to investigate the deported individuals and take action against the agents involved.

They have also requested that the names of returning Pakistanis be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) for five years.

Meanwhile, FIA officials said that Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia have become hubs for online fraud. Those operating the fraud centres post online advertisements for call centre jobs.

According to the FIA, young people are lured on work visas and then detained. The agency has warned Pakistanis not to fall for deceptive offers of work visas or online job opportunities in these countries.