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Job hunters tormented and traumatised by cybercrime gangs in Myanmar
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
Sri Lanka recently rescued 32 citizens from cyber-scam complexes in Myanmar, but 14 remain trapped, underscoring the need for stronger anti-trafficking measures and for creating greater awareness of risks.
They had all been lured with promises of lucrative employment abroad and ended up in cyber-scam operations in Myanmar, where they were forced to participate in fraudulent activities under threat of violence. Myanmar, increasingly notorious as a global hub for cybercrime, has become a focal point for such operations due to weak governance, unregulated border regions, and political instability. These operations prey on individuals from economically vulnerable backgrounds, exploiting them.
The Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Ministry vowed to continue its efforts to rescue the remaining 14 people and is working closely with international organisations to address the broader issue of human trafficking.
“This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger anti-trafficking measures and victim support,” said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra. “Efforts are ongoing with authorities and we are working diplomatically to ensure swift repatriation of the remaining individuals in Myanmar’s Myawaddy area.”
The Ministry also urges the public to follow government-approved foreign employment procedures and verify job opportunities with the SLBFE.
Families of the victims shared their heartbreak, including Sanminda Kodithuwakku, from Kotugoda whose 22-year-old son, Hashan Kodithuwakku, was among those trapped. “We spent countless sleepless nights pleading with authorities to bring our children back. Now that some have returned, we will not rest until the others are rescued as well,” he said.
The victims had been enticed by promises of a safe, luxurious work environment and an attractive salary. Unbeknownst to them, they had been drawn into a scamming operation in one of Myanmar’s most dangerous cybercrime hubs.
He said his son applied for a job online, completed the first interview virtually, and was issued a tourist visa after being promised a job in Thailand upon passing a second interview. They had assured him the tourist visa would be converted to a work visa, but that never happened.
He criticised the lack of government action to repatriate those trapped and praised Ven. Maligawila Assaji Thera for single-handedly rescuing some of them.
His son, Mr Hashan, revealed they were forced to work 14-hour shifts and tortured if targets weren’t met. They were denied food and subjected to electric shocks.
Families pleaded with the government for help, but no support was provided. Mr. Kodithuwakku condemned the insensitivity of officials handling foreign employment, stating that his son returned traumatised and it still struggling.
He said countries like Uganda and Nepal acted swiftly to rescue their citizens, unlike Sri Lanka. Phones were confiscated, and families could only speak briefly under surveillance. Eventually, the children used the Telegram app to inform their parents about their dire situation through the help of a local worker.
Shehan Baduge (name changed), from Kandy, said he and a friend applied for a data entry job with an eBay-linked company in Thailand, attracted by the promise of better pay, only to fall into a trap. They were forced to target wealthy individuals via TikTok, build trust, and recruit them under the guise of earning through eBay.
These victims were then pushed into crypto trading, initially paid twice before their profits were funnelled back to the company. Workers were assigned a US$15,000 monthly target, and those who failed were subjected to cruel punishments, such as being imersed in water containers for hours.
Shehan’s father, Mr. Baduge, said he even traveled to Thailand in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue his son. He charged that several NGOs affiliated with the embassy were demanding money to facilitate the son’s return.
He said his son took the risk out of desperation for a better income and a future.
Vishmi Navodya, whose husband Dilshan Thushara, 28, was working in low-paid operator job in Dubai, shared the harrowing story of being trafficked. Mr Dilshan had received an IT job offer in Thailand through the company he worked for in Dubai, promising a better salary and a smooth transition, including visa arrangements.
However, Ms Vishmi revealed that she has not heard from her husband in days. The last time he called, his voice was trembling, and she suspected he had been beaten. He is among 14 Sri Lankans still trapped in Myanmar, awaiting rescue.
Recounting the ordeal as he had described, she said: “They promised to convert my tourist visa into a job visa, but that was just a lie. We were confined to a dark room and subjected to electrocution if we resisted their demands.” Mr Dilshan also told her: “We worked under constant threat, fearing for our lives every day. It was a nightmare. We thought we’d never escape.”
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Ven. Maligawila Assaji Thera said that while 32 Sri Lankans have been rescued, 14 remain trapped in Myanmar. He mentioned that he has been scheduled to meet with ministry officials on Monday (30) to discuss the issue.
The Thera said so far, no government institution has taken significant steps to address the situation. He said numerous crimes are being committed using global platforms such as Alibaba, eBay, Bonanza, and Amazon.
He also refrained from sharing extensive details, citing concerns for the safety of the 14 still trapped.
Assistant General Manager of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Senerath Yapa said that a proactive approach to combat human trafficking is to strengthen pre-departure protocols, background checks on recruitment agencies, and ensure only certified agents facilitate jobs.
Awareness campaigns, reaching even the grassroots level and technical colleges, will be done to educate people, particularly in vulnerable communities, about fraudulent job offers and trafficking risks.
The SLBFE will further prioritise better monitoring mechanisms with strict penalties for non-compliance, along with international collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks and ensure the safe repatriation of victims.
Mr. Yapa asserted that the SLBFE has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment to reinstate the “Safe Migration Promotion Unit,” which was previously active in monitoring individuals leaving on tourist visas.
The SLBFE also aims to expand support services, including legal aid, counselling, and reintegration programs, to help victims recover and rebuild their lives, Mr. Yapa said.
The SLBFE suggested job-seekers to register to ensure their destination and employment details are accurately documented so those going overseas through agencies can be traced and that job offers can be verified. The bureau also advises potential workers to complete registration and check all details before finalising foreign jobs.
As efforts continue to bring others home, this incident serves as a wake-up call to intensify efforts against human trafficking and cybercrime, ensuring no one else falls prey to criminals.
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