The Japanese Embassy in Yangon has issued a warning, stating that human trafficking operations may begin targeting not only Japanese nationals but also Myanmar citizens who are proficient in the Japanese language. This caution comes in light of recent developments involving online games and social media.

The embassy noted that Myanmar nationals who became acquainted through online platforms with individuals they had never met in person, and were later introduced to work in countries such as Thailand and Cambodia, have ended up being trafficked into online fraud schemes in Myanmar’s Myawaddy. These individuals were coerced into participating in online scams.

Online trafficking groups, which exploit Japanese nationals, are now expanding their operations to include individuals who are fluent in Japanese, including Myanmar citizens. The embassy warned that these criminals are actively recruiting not only Japanese nationals but also those who can speak Japanese to carry out their fraudulent activities.

The embassy advised Myanmar citizens not to be easily swayed by strangers they meet online and urged them to avoid engaging in job offers that require Japanese language skills. It is recommended that they consult with their families or the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar before making any decisions to prevent becoming victims of these fraudulent schemes.

Additionally, the Japanese Embassy highlighted the illegal nature of online money laundering activities and cautioned that individuals involved in these scams often face coercion and severe punishment, including physical abuse, if they fail to meet certain targets. These exploitation activities have been reported, with victims being forced into these operations under intense pressure.