Four Kazakhstan citizens trapped in slavery in Myanmar

Tengrinews.kz – Uzbek and Kazakh diplomats have successfully helped repatriate citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan who had fallen into labor slavery in Myanmar, according to the Uzbek news agency Dunyo.

The victims stated that they had traveled to Thailand in search of high-paying jobs promised online and were provided with free plane tickets.

However, upon arrival in Thailand, they were deceitfully and illegally transported to Myanmar, where they fell into the hands of criminal groups involved in human trafficking. There, they were forced to work in fraudulent call centers. Refusal to participate in illegal activities was met with physical violence and threats. A large ransom was demanded for their release and return home.

Among the victims were two citizens of Uzbekistan, four citizens of Kazakhstan, and seven citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

As a result of coordinated efforts and negotiations with the competent authorities of Myanmar and Thailand, the citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan were freed and handed over to diplomats at the Maesot border checkpoint (Thailand), where they were provided with temporary shelter and food. On April 11, the citizens of the three countries were successfully repatriated.

Diplomats urge citizens to exercise caution when considering overseas job offers and to thoroughly verify the credibility of information sources.

In case of similar situations, the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Bangkok strongly recommends calling +66 2 675 3995 or reporting through social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, or X.