Courtesy: Thai Enquirer
Bangkok, Thailand – Nineteen Filipinos, identified as human trafficking victims en route to a scam hub in Cambodia, were among 24 foreigners arrested in a raid on a rented villa in Bangkok, Thailand, highlighting the perilous journey and exploitation faced by individuals lured into online scam operations.
Members of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducted the raid in Bang Na district around midnight on Wednesday, Oct. 29. A report by the Thai Enquirer indicates that the other individuals arrested included two Singaporeans, one Chinese national, and two Malaysians.
The investigation revealed that the Filipinos had initially crossed into Myawaddy, Myanmar, with their Chinese boss, seeking work at one of the many scam centers operating in the region. However, after heavy bombing by the Myanmar military targeted KK Parks, a notorious scam center in Myawaddy, the group allegedly planned to cross into Cambodia, likely to another scam operation.
According to information shared with former Philippine Embassy police attaché Col. Dominador Matalang, the group arrived in Thailand around Oct. 21, suggesting a desperate attempt to escape the violence in Myanmar and continue their journey to Cambodia.
The raid uncovered that two individuals were in Thailand without permission, while the rest had overstayed their visas, further underscoring their vulnerable situation. Five Malaysian suspects escaped the raid and are currently being sought by authorities.
