Southeast Asian Human Trafficking Targets Central Asians in Cyber Scams

Introduction

The increased globalization and regional connectivity between Southeast Asia and Central Asia have resulted in a rise in migration, labor force movement, and, unfortunately, human trafficking. More than 200,000–225,000 women and children are trafficked annually within Greater Southeast Asia, representing about one-third of the global total. In 2022, Southeast and Central Asia saw the highest number of trafficking victims, with an estimated 50 million individuals affected. The primary drivers behind this phenomenon include climate change, conflict, pandemics, corruption, and weak governance. Despite significant efforts by NGOs and national governments, challenges such as corruption and insufficient victim support continue to impede progress.

This report highlights a case in which Southeast Asian transnational criminal groups targeted citizens from Central Asian nations, exemplifying the persistent threats of human trafficking.

Case Study: Human Trafficking of Central Asians in Southeast Asia

In Bangkok, on April 13, the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported assisting in the repatriation of citizens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, who had fallen victim to human trafficking in Myanmar. The victims, including two individuals from Uzbekistan, M.S. (born in 2000) and B.V. (born in 1997), reached out to the Uzbek Consulate General for assistance in returning to Uzbekistan. They explained that they had been lured to Thailand by the promise of a high-paying job through an online advertisement. They were provided with a free plane ticket from Uzbekistan, only to find themselves illegally transported to Myanmar upon their arrival in Thailand. There, they were forced into working in fraudulent call centers by criminal trafficking groups. Refusal to participate in illegal activities was met with physical violence and threats. In addition, the victims were pressured to pay large sums of money to secure their release and return home.

Similar circumstances were experienced by eight citizens from Kyrgyzstan and four from Kazakhstan, who also found themselves in Myanmar. Due to the lack of a diplomatic mission from Kyrgyzstan in Thailand, the Uzbek and Kazakh diplomatic missions coordinated efforts to assist the Kyrgyz citizens' return to their homeland.

Diplomatic Coordination and Victim Repatriation

Through coordinated actions and negotiations with the competent authorities of Myanmar and Thailand, the citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan were freed and handed over to the diplomats of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan at the Mae Sot border crossing in Thailand. The victims were provided with temporary housing and food during their transition.

On April 11, with the assistance of the diplomatic missions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, a successful repatriation took place. Two citizens of Uzbekistan, four citizens of Kazakhstan, and seven citizens of Kyrgyzstan were returned to their home countries.

This case serves as a practical example of the principles of brotherhood, good neighborliness, strategic partnership, and alliance between these countries, which were exemplified through their coordinated assistance efforts.

Conclusion: Vigilance and Caution in Job Offers Abroad

The Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Bangkok urges all citizens to remain vigilant when considering job offers abroad. It is essential to carefully verify the reliability of the sources offering employment opportunities. In case of encountering such trafficking situations, the consulate encourages citizens to immediately contact the consulate at +66 2 675 3995 or via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).