Bangkok: Cyber police have revealed the discovery of 260 call center gang members rescued from Myawaddy, with most identified as victims rather than willing participants. Screening efforts determined that only 2-3 individuals had voluntarily joined the operation.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division, discussed the situation involving 260 individuals who were deceived into working for a call center gang in Myawaddy, Myanmar. These individuals were recently repatriated to Thailand through Phop Phra District in Tak Province. In response, 50 cyber police officers have been tasked with collaborating with frontline agencies to collect comprehensive data on the gang's activities, including information extracted from the mobile phones and electronic devices of those involved.
Detailed screening through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) revealed that many individuals were misled into joining the call center gang, a situation potentially linked to human trafficking. Contrary to initial reports suggesting only one victim, the latest findings indicate that only 2-3 individuals willingly participated. The Cyber Police have issued an apology for this initial misinformation, citing discrepancies between early reports and the information gathered from mobile devices.
The investigation has amassed evidence, including 107 IMEI numbers and data from 35 phones belonging to those who crossed the border. This evidence will undergo thorough examination and analysis to uncover fraud patterns and determine whether to prosecute the call center gang members and other involved parties for additional offenses. Regardless of the country in which the gang operated or whether the individuals volunteered, evidence will be collected to address transnational crime organization charges, which carry significant penalties.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong noted that the Immigration Police and Tak Provincial Police would handle the NRM screening, while the Cyber Police would focus on expanding the investigation into those associated with the call center gang.
Regarding the 260 individuals, under immigration law, those identified as victims may receive exemptions from certain charges. Conversely, those found to have volunteered will face legal prosecution. Authorities are also investigating potential Thai involvement with the gang. If it is determined that there was facilitation or transportation assistance, and these actions constitute a violation within Thailand, they will be classified as transnational crimes.