Twelve Moroccans, lured by the promise of casino jobs in Myanmar, but who ended up working for call-center gangs on the border, were rescued and brought to safety in Thailand by Thai authorities on Friday, July 5. Thai authorities secured the safe passage of twelve Moroccans through the Tak border checkpoint.
The operation involved collaboration between the Royal Thai Army (RTA) and the Embassy of Morocco, which had contacted Thai MP Rangsiman Rome in May for assistance in rescuing 21 Moroccans believed to be trapped in Myanmar.
Through coordination with local NGOs and humanitarian groups, Thai authorities identified the victims, assessed their living conditions, and negotiated their release with the casino owner.
Interviews conducted by officials revealed that a Moroccan call center gang had scammed all 21 individuals. Seven others were only freed after their families paid ransoms, while two other victims decided to continue working there.
“It’s time for the government to take this problem seriously. [Rescuing them] should be made part of the national agenda,” said Rangsiman, a Move Forward Party MP who chairs the House committee on security and border affairs.
He emphasized the need to rescue victims and implement measures to prevent people from falling prey to these scamming gangs.
“The issue here is not just human trafficking, but also stealing victims’ properties, violating their rights, and other illegal work,” explained Rangsiman.
