Sri Lankans falling prey to cyber scam centres in Myanmar on the rise, Defence Ministry warns

Colombo, November 12 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lankans currently staying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are being sent to cyber scam centres in Myanmar in groups and the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has received information through reliable sources that there is an increase in the number of newly recruited Sri Lankan citizens there, the Defence Ministry said.

The NAHTTF has issued warnings to the public on several occasions regarding an increase in various forms of recruitment to cyber scam centres in Myanmar.

Recent investigations revealed that the traffickers lure IT professionals with the promise of high-paying IT positions abroad. They attract workers with the promise of high-paying positions in the IT fields in other countries.

The investigations also reveal that these individuals are taken to places like Dubai under the guise of job interviews and are then coerced into working illegally in cyber scam centres in Myanmar. Investigations have further uncovered that they are subjected to mental and even brutal physical torture, such as electrocution, in these scam centres.

“We strongly advise against using illegal migration routes, as they are extremely dangerous and violate the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act. Jobseekers must refrain from travelling to other countries on visit visas”, warns NAHTTF.

The NAHTTF urges the public to:

• Pursue safe, legal migration options through authorised channels.

• Stay vigilant and report any suspicious trafficking activities.

• Protect vulnerable individuals by informing relevant departments about Sri Lankan workers abroad who may be at risk, as well as their relatives and friends in Sri Lanka.

The NAHTTF, while requesting the public to report any suspicious activities through the following phone numbers or email address, emphasises its obligation to protect the confidentiality of those who provide information.

• 0112102570/ 076 844 7700

• [email protected]