The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) handed over 261 foreigners from 19 countries, who were trafficked into Myanmar to work at cyber scam centers in Karen State, to Thailand on Feb. 12.

It has dismissed allegations of human trafficking into cyber scam centers in Payathonzu town, located in Kyain Seikgyi Township of Karen State, but cooperated with Thai and Chinese authorities to rescue and release foreign nationals at cyber scam centers under its control since last week. 

“We collect the rescued people’s photos, passports and nationalities to facilitate a transfer process to their home countries,” Saw Shwe Wa, the DKBA second-in-command, told DVB. 

DVB interviewed DKBA Chief of Staff Saw San Aung on how it identifies and handles human trafficking victims from foreign countries inside areas of Karen State, along the Myanmar-Thailand border, under its control. 

DVB: Were human trafficking victims tortured at cyber scam centers under DKBA control?

SSA: We only saw photos [of torture]. If [the cyber scam operators] were beating the victims in front of us, they would not be breathing anymore. But we only received photos which are pretty old. 

This operation is complicated. We heard some victims sold themselves to the operations for, let’s say, one million Thai Baht [$31,000 USD]. 

After a certain period, they harmed themselves and accused their employers of torturing them. Some employees were really tortured by employers’ henchmen. But some did it to themselves. 

If they were tortured by their employers for real, how could they be able to take photos of the injuries and send them out? What we heard is, some employees wanted to sell themselves again to another [cyber scam] operation after they ran out of money. 

So they fabricated these stories to get out. At least some of them did.

We are soldiers. We reassure you that we won’t turn a blind eye if people are being tortured. We have laws and we are trying to determine our own fate. 

Some suggest we are taking action under pressure from China and Thailand. But it has nothing to do with that. We started taking it more seriously when it caught our attention recently. 

Dozens of people escaped the [cyber scam] operations. We have collected between 100 and 200 people to return. They said that their employers tortured and forced them to work. 

We inspected the workplaces after receiving their complaints. Some employers pleaded with us to forgive them but we haven’t. If they torture people, they better pack their bags. We only accept operations that are engaged in fair business. 

DVB: Will you cooperate with the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) in shutting down cyber scam centers in areas under DKBA control?

SSA: We have no plans to cooperate with anyone as we are determined to shape our own destiny. But, if anyone wishes to offer assistance or share information, they are welcome. 

We won’t be seeking help, though, as everyone is looking out for themselves. We take responsibility for our [DKBA-]controlled territories. We are open to receiving information on these operations. 

DVB: Could you explain the situation in Kyauk Khet village [located 30 km south of Shwe Kokko] in Myawaddy Township of Karen State?

SSA: It began as an establishment of Thameelay village with 20 houses. We have photo documents. After a decade, it changed into a bustling settlement. 

We heard reports of scam operations in not only Kyauk Khet village, but also southern and northern parts of Myawaddy Township. We are trying to stamp out this malevolence from our land. 

Starting from today, we will work on eradicating enslavement of humans and sending back all the victims to relevant countries. 

We have to do screenings first to know who are the real victims and who worked with their own volition. 

We will also ask if they want to go back. We don’t care how much debt they have since it’s their business. If they want to go home, they can give their names to us. We’ll return them. 

DVB: How can you prove that the DKBA will [allow trafficking victims to leave the cyber scam centers]?

SSA: With actions, of course. We’ll do it in front of everyone, including the media. We have rescued nearly 100 already. You can ask them if DKBA soldiers tortured them. 

We invite members of the press for transparency. If we’ve been accused of torturing these employees, ask them yourself how they came here and how these operations began for clarity. 

DVB: How do you feel when you look [at those inside the rescue center]?

SSA: I’m happy for them. DKBA Brigadier General Sai Kyaw Hla himself saw to it that these escapees were sheltered. We have over 50 rescued in this facility. We’re collecting their data and will inspect worksites. 

The problem is a leaseholder renting their building out to other businesses. So, they have to scrutinize which businesses are engaged in illicit affairs. We need to take a few more days to check who are victims.

DVB: How will you take action against these cyber scam operators?

SSA: We’ll kick them out. Some have already left. You might have seen reports of arrests made by Thai police along with computers and phones used in scam operations. We’ve warned them already.

DVB: What’s your message to the Myanmar people?

SSA: I’d like to warn parents of potential dangers to their children who seek employment abroad. This issue does not exist only at the border. It’s worldwide. 

So, if your children seek employment abroad, make sure they have connections with the right people. We’ve heard about human trafficking before. But now we’re witnessing it in the flesh. I feel sad beyond words. 

DVB: What’s the timeframe for the DKBA operation?

SSA: As long as these scam operators exist on our soil. Cyber scam operations don’t have a target on them so we have to hunt them down. We’ll disclose our operations to the media. 

DVB: Thank you for your time.