Kenya repatriates 153 victims of human trafficking from Myanmar

IANS April 7, 2025 297 views

The Kenyan government has successfully repatriated 153 citizens who were trapped in horrific human trafficking conditions in Myanmar's scam compounds. Victims were lured with false job promises and subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse, including potential organ harvesting. The rescue operation involved collaboration with Thai authorities and occurred in three separate batches between February and April. Kenyan officials are now urgently warning citizens to thoroughly verify overseas job opportunities to prevent similar trafficking incidents.

"Victims have reported severe punishments, including electric shocks, physical beatings, and even organ harvesting" - Roseline Njogu, PS Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
Nairobi, April 7: The Kenyan government said Monday that it has successfully repatriated 153 citizens who were trafficked to scam compounds in Myanmar for forced criminal activities.

Key Points

1

Kenya rescues 153 citizens from Myanmar human trafficking networks

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Victims faced forced labor and exploitation in scam compounds

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Repatriation conducted through Bangkok embassy in three batches

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Government warns against unverified overseas job offers

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu said these individuals were lured into Myanmar under false pretenses of employment and lucrative jobs, only to face forced labour and exploitation after being trapped in scam operations.

"Victims have reported severe punishments, including electric shocks, physical beatings, and even organ harvesting," Njogu said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

She said that upon arrival in Nairobi, the victims were provided with counseling and psychological support to address the trauma experienced during their ordeal.

The rescued victims were repatriated, through the Kenyan embassy in Bangkok, in three batches -- 26 on February 22, 49 on March 22, and 78 on April 5, the statement said.

Njogu said the 153 rescued Kenyans were among the over 7,000 individuals of different nationalities rescued from the scam compounds in Myanmar after a multinational rescue operation with the government of Thailand, Xinhua news agency reported.

She said that between 2022 and 2024, Kenya rescued and repatriated 150 Kenyan victims of human trafficking from the "Golden Triangle" region of Asia.

Njogu called on Kenyan jobseekers to verify offers of employment overseas, especially those requiring upfront fees.

"We reiterate that there are currently no job opportunities for Kenyans in the 'Golden Triangle' in South East Asia," she said. "Any recruitment agency or agent purporting to have job opportunities in the region should be treated as human traffickers."

Reader Comments

J
James K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 So glad our government stepped in to help these victims. We need harsher punishments for these human traffickers!
A
Amina W.
The part about organ harvesting gave me chills. How can people be so cruel? Big thanks to all the officials involved in this rescue mission.
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Paul M.
While I applaud the rescue efforts, I wish our government would do more to create jobs at home so people don't feel desperate enough to fall for these scams.
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Sarah O.
My cousin was almost trafficked last year - same promises of high-paying jobs abroad. Thank God we stopped him in time. Everyone needs to be aware of these dangers!
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David L.
The international cooperation here is impressive. 7,000 people rescued from multiple countries shows this is a global problem needing global solutions.
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Naomi K.
I hope the counseling helps these victims recover. The trauma must be unimaginable. Let's all spread awareness about these scams to protect others 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Human Trafficking Kenya Myanmar Foreign Affairs Roseline Njogu Southeast Asia Job Scams
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