A group of 23 Ugandans were freed from ‘slave-like’ conditions in cyberscam compounds in rebel-held territory in southern Myanmar’s Karen State, following a deal in March brokered by Uganda’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Betty Bigombe. Another ten remain trapped with negotiations ongoing.

Trafficking to cyberscam compounds has become a matter of global concern, with people from dozens of countries caught in its web. Lured by the promise of well-paid jobs – often through unscrupulous brokers – workers soon find they are unable to leave the heavily-guarded compounds. They are forced to work long hours, conning internet users abroad into investing in sham crypto schemes. Many are subjected to torture and degrading treatment for failing to meet targets. Some are allowed to leave only after paying a hefty fee, or by recruiting others in their place.