569 survivors of forced scamming now safely home
Forced Scamming
April 2025
In March, 569 survivors of forced scamming in Myanmar safely returned to their homes in Indonesia.
IJM supported the Thai government’s efforts to screen the people who had been brought to safety. This confirmed that these 569 men and women had been trafficked, trapped and forced to scam people.
Liam* (pictured), who’s in his 30s, shared his relief upon returning home to Indonesia. Assisted by a local partner of IJM, Liam received legal assistance even while still trapped in the compound in Myanmar.
“I am so happy to finally be back in Indonesia. It’s an emotional moment for all of us,” Liam said.
"Back in Myanmar, we were living in constant fear, uncertain of what would happen next. Without this rescue, I don’t know where we would have ended up.”
Upon arrival in Indonesia, authorities supported the survivors to transition back into their communities. The Indonesian government provided temporary housing and committed to providing legal assistance.
Try L. Harysantoso, Executive Director of IJM’s partner in Indonesia, emphasised the need for stronger regional cooperation to combat human trafficking:
“While we celebrate the safe return of these survivors, we must remain vigilant. This incident serves as a reminder that many Indonesians have fallen into the trap of human trafficking networks, and it is critical that we continue to investigate these crimes, prosecute those involved, and work toward long-term solutions.”
IJM’s partner in Indonesia collaborates with IJM teams in the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, as well as Indonesian embassies in forced scamming hotspots, to facilitate the repatriation of Indonesian survivors and enhance cooperation with law enforcement.
Once survivors are repatriated, the team partners with NGOs in Indonesia to provide survivors with critical psychological and legal support. Additionally, the team submits survivor testimonies to prosecutors, playing a key role in the prosecution of traffickers.
These survivors were part of a group of about 7,000 people of various nationalities who were freed from scam centres in Myanmar, following a crackdown on scamming operations.
10 Indonesians remain stranded in Myanmar due to logistical challenges. The Indonesian government is committed to continuing its efforts to bring these individuals back home safely.
Read more about people being brought to safety from forced scamming in Myanmar >>
*Pseudonym. Image obscured to protect survivor.