BANGKOK, Thailand – Japanese media reported that a Japanese teenager was rescued from a call center scam operation in Myanmar, while several other Japanese nationals have been arrested as suspects linked to these criminal groups.
According to Japan’s NHK television, Thai authorities in Mae Sot, Tak Province, have taken care of a 16-year-old Japanese boy who was rescued from a Myanmar-based call center gang earlier this month. The teenager was allegedly forced to work for the scam operation. His rescue came after a request from the Japanese government, prompting Thai police to launch a search operation. Authorities believe he is a victim of human trafficking.
Last month, Thai authorities also rescued a 17-year-old Japanese high school student who was similarly coerced into working for a call center scam in Myanmar.
Meanwhile, Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Thai authorities handed over the 16-year-old boy to the Japanese Embassy on February 13. However, details about how and when he became a victim of trafficking remain unclear.
On the same day, Thai police arrested a 29-year-old Japanese man, suspected of forcing the 17-year-old student to work for the call center gang. Additionally, four other Japanese nationals were taken into custody, as authorities believe they were involved in the scam operation in Myanmar.
Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the transnational crime network operating in the region.
