Written By Lisa Murimi
The Kenya Embassy in Bangkok has issued a grave warning over a disturbing increase in Kenyans being duped into fake job opportunities in Thailand, only to be trafficked into Myanmar.
The Embassy’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the growing network of human traffickers exploiting unsuspecting Kenyans, many of whom are coerced into criminal activities upon reaching their destinations.
Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, confirmed that Kenya’s Ambassador to Thailand, Lindsay Kiptiness Kimwole, has received threats from traffickers demanding up to Ksh 400,000 for the release of victims.
The scams predominantly target educated professionals, promising lucrative positions in translation and IT, only for victims to find themselves smuggled into Myanmar and forced into criminal enterprises like cryptocurrency scams.
The Embassy is currently searching for three Kenyans believed to be trapped in Myanmar. Since reports of trafficking emerged in 2022, over 140 Kenyans and other Africans have been rescued and repatriated.
Traffickers are reportedly charging victims up to Ksh 300,000 for fraudulent visas and tickets, leaving many stranded and destitute in Bangkok.
Additionally, the Embassy has flagged an alarming rise in human trafficking for prostitution, with young girls from East Africa being auctioned online.
The Embassy urges Kenyans to exercise extreme caution when considering job offers abroad and to consult with the Embassy for verification before proceeding.
