Thai-Cambodian Raid Rescues 215 Foreigners from Cyber Scam Center
BANGKOK: A coordinated operation by Thai and Cambodian authorities led to the rescue of 215 foreign nationals from a building near the border, marking a significant step in the crackdown on cyber scam networks in Southeast Asia.
According to reports, organized criminal syndicates have trafficked hundreds of thousands of individuals into forced labor at fraudulent online operations. A 2023 United Nations report highlighted that these illicit activities generate billions of dollars annually.
The latest raid took place in Poipet, a Cambodian town near the Thai border in Banteay Meanchey province. Among those freed were 109 Thai nationals, 50 Pakistanis, 48 Indians, five Taiwanese, and three Indonesians, Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub confirmed.
“This is the largest number of Thai citizens rescued from a suspected cyber fraud facility in joint operations between the two countries,” Jirayu stated.
The crackdown on scam centers has intensified following the high-profile case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was deceived with a fake job offer, abducted in Thailand, and taken to a scam operation in Myanmar. His case has amplified global awareness and scrutiny of such illegal networks.
In response, Southeast Asian governments have increased enforcement measures, particularly in areas along the Thai-Myanmar border. Earlier this month, Thailand cut off essential services, including power, fuel, and internet access, to locations linked with scam operations. Additionally, China has repatriated 621 of its citizens who were rescued from similar centers in the past few days, the Thai military reported on Saturday.
This latest raid underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle cybercrime syndicates and rescue victims trapped in exploitative conditions across the region.
