MoD warns of rising human trafficking linked to cyber scam centres

• For any suspicious activities, the public is advised to contact the NAHTTF at 011-210-2570, 076-844-7700, or via email at [email protected]

BY DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA

Recent investigations have revealed that human traffickers are luring victims with promises of high-paying IT positions in countries like Thailand. However, these individuals are later forcibly moved across borders and coerced into working in cyber scam centres in Myanmar, the Ministry of Defence said. The National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) has issued a warning about the alarming rise in forced criminality associated with these centres in Myanmar. They highlighted that traffickers are actively targeting young IT professionals with deceptive job offers abroad. Victims are often promised lucrative IT jobs, only to be transported to transit countries, such as Dubai, under the pretense of job interviews. Once there, they are forcibly moved across borders and coerced into working in Myanmar, where they face severe physical abuse, torture, and electrocution. The NAHTTF urges the public to avoid illegal migration routes and reject job opportunities that require travel on visit visas, as these actions violate the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act. They encourage individuals to pursue safe, legal migration options through authorized channels, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious trafficking activities to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. For any suspicious activities, the public is advised to contact the NAHTTF at 011-210-2570, 076-844-7700, or via email at nahttfsrilanka@ gmail.com. The Ministry of Defence assured that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.