23 Nigerian youths have been rescued from a suspected human trafficking ring in Thailand. The victims were allegedly lured abroad with promises of scholarships and well-paid jobs.
Instead, they were reportedly forced into cyber-enabled crimes across Southeast Asia.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) confirmed the rescue on Wednesday.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with partners in Myanmar and with support from the British Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok.
According to the agency, the victims were trafficked to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
There, they were allegedly forced to carry out romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud and fake investment schemes.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, described the case as deeply disturbing.
“In continuation of its renewed onslaught against the activities of organized criminal elements targeting vulnerable Nigerians, the National Agency for the Prohibition of trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued and repatriated 23 Nigerian youths suspected to be victims of human trafficking from Thailand,” the statement read.
The agency explained that the victims had already arrived in Nigeria. However, their ordeal abroad revealed a troubling pattern.
“The victims who have arrived in Nigeria were deceived, recruited, and trafficked to some Southeast Asian Countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, for cyber – enabled crimes such as romance scam, cryptocurrency-related fraud, and investment scam in the destination Countries,” the statement added.
This human trafficking in Thailand case shows a new strategy used by criminal networks.
Traffickers reportedly target educated youths with computer and IT skills. Moreover, they prefer individuals who do not smoke or drink.
“This is a new dimension of the human trafficking phenomenon that targets vibrant and intelligent Nigerians,” Bello said.
She explained that victims were trained in scam methods upon arrival. Some were enrolled in language schools and quickly turned into translators.
“The victims explained that they were compelled to target individuals and organizations from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, and Canada for romance scams, investment scams, cryptocurrency scams, and other online fraud.”
Furthermore, the victims said they were housed in hostels and closely monitored.
“They are monitored by fierce looking mafia guys who also torture any of them who refuse to meet their daily targets.”
The statement revealed even darker claims.
“Victims also explained that while a few of them who refused to do the bidding of the traffickers are tortured to death inside the horror chamber called ‘the dark room’, others had their organs harvested, especially the young ones with non-smoking history.”
Meanwhile, NAPTIP has vowed to intensify efforts against trafficking networks.
“This is a new dimension in trafficking to destination Countries in the Southeast Asian Region, and it is disturbing. We have reactivated our various connections so that, with the support of partners, this deadly trafficking syndicate will be dislodged and the ringleaders arrested.”
The agency appreciated the role played by Eden (Myanmar), the British Government and the Nigerian Embassy in Bangkok. Emergency Travel Certificates were issued to facilitate the victims’ return.
