The Exodus Road’s teams in Thailand have been working on the frontlines of a dark trend: individuals being trafficked for both sex and labor exploitation through scamming compounds in Myanmar, just over Thailand’s border.
We first learned about this group of North African men through their family members, who were heartsick with worry. Their brothers, sons, and husbands had pursued job offers in tech. They’d left their home country based on that promise. Then they disappeared.
“We think they’re in trouble,” family members told The Exodus Road. “Can you help us?”
Our teams of investigators from both the United States and Thailand mobilized. Working together with Thai law enforcement and government officials, we drafted a plan for removing the men from exploitation. We learned that they were working excessively long hours, deprived of freedom, and physically abused to try and enforce compliance.
Extracting these men required collaboration between our teams, the victims’ family members, law enforcement, immigration, and the embassies of the countries involved.
Finally, this multinational case came to its conclusion when more than 10 of these African men were transferred safely to an aftercare home in Northern Thailand. Our team ensured that they had all of the aftercare services and support they needed while they began recovering from their ordeal. With the support of the local immigration department and the embassy, the men were repatriated home, reuniting with the worried family members who had secured their freedom.
Trafficking through these scamming compounds is one of the fastest-growing kinds of exploitation in the world today. We are so grateful to be part of rising to this new challenge — which we are only able to do because of your steady support. Thank you!
*Image representative
