Eight peoples including Managing Director from One Asia Employment Agency were arrested in passport forgery case involving illegal labor trafficking to Thailand and Malaysia, according to the sources.
A security task force at the No. 1 Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge in Myawaddy, Kayin State, intercepted 11 Myanmar youths attempting to cross into Mae Soat, Thailand on December 9, 2024.
Among them were three young women from Taungdwingyi Township, Magway Region. The group was found in possession of 11 counterfeit Myanmar passports, leading to their detention.
Further investigation revealed that nine of the individuals, including Ma Hnin Ei Phyu, were trafficked by One Asia Employment Agency, operated by Managing Director Nwe Ni Hlaing Min and Director Khin Maung Shwe (also known as Bala).
They allegedly charged 8 million Kyats per person to arrange illegal transportation to Thailand and Malaysia. Additionally, agents from the Hlan Htet Travel Service, led by Managing Director Su Myat (also known as Su Myat Nanda Win), reportedly charged 7 million Kyats per person for similar services.
The trafficking network produced counterfeit Myanmar passports through forgers such as Nyo Min and John Ko Ko, using information provided by recruiters. Workers were gathered in Yangon before being transported to Myawaddy by passenger vehicles.
From there, intermediaries like Thet Nanda Win facilitated illegal entry into Thailand via temporary border passes or covert routes, eventually leading to Mae Soat.
Once in Mae Soat, agents like Zaw Lin Paing issued counterfeit work permits and transported workers to Bangkok. Some were then flown to southern Thailand using forged Myanmar passports, before being smuggled into Malaysia by land or sea.
The Myanmar Police Force has arrested eight individuals, including Nwe Ni Hlaing Min, Bala, Su Myat, San Win (also known as Yafi), and Thant Zin Oo, who collaborated with Ko Kyaw Swar in Malaysia.
The network collected 8 million Kyats per person, distributed profits, and used counterfeit documents to exploit workers.
Authorities are continuing investigations, with 734 counterfeit passports linked to the case identified. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fugitives involved.
