Thousands Freed from Myanmar Scam Centers Face Dire Conditions in Detention

A crackdown on forced labor scams has liberated over 7,000 individuals, but many remain stranded in overcrowded camps, awaiting repatriation.

More than 7,000 individuals from over 24 countries were freed from scam operations in Myanmar following a joint crackdown by Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar authorities.
Freed workers, including nearly 300 Indians repatriated this week, describe being lured into scam jobs with false promises and then subjected to forced labor under abusive conditions.
Thousands remain detained in overcrowded and unsanitary facilities on the Myanmar-Thai border, controlled by armed militias, with limited food, medical care, and no clear timeline for repatriation.
The scam industry, estimated to steal $18–37 billion annually in Asia alone, continues to operate with minimal disruption as no major arrests or shutdowns have occurred.
Efforts to repatriate detainees are hindered by logistical challenges, with some countries struggling to arrange flights or cover costs, leaving many in prolonged limbo.