Taiwan Brings Home 55 Nationals from Myanmar Fraud Rings

Authorities in Taiwan work to determine the roles of those repatriated, while cracking down on local human trafficking networks.

Taipei, Taiwan - May 7, 2024 - A significant repatriation effort has brought 55 Taiwanese nationals back to Taiwan from Myanmar. The National Police Agency confirmed the return of these individuals, who are suspected of involvement in or being victims of fraud rings and human trafficking in Myanmar.

The authorities are currently working to differentiate between those who were perpetrators of these crimes and those who were victims. The investigation is ongoing to clarify each individual's role.

As part of the initial assessment, 25 individuals, who were wanted in connection with other criminal cases, were taken into custody upon their return to Taiwan, as stated by the agency.

In response to the situation, the agency formed a cross-functional task force in late February. With the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, personnel were deployed to coordinate with authorities in Thailand and Myanmar to assist in the safe return of stranded Taiwanese nationals.

In related news, the agency announced the dismantling of a human trafficking ring operating within Taiwan. This occurred in March. Four suspects were apprehended, and six mobile phones used in the criminal operations were seized.

The four suspects have since been indicted in April. They are alleged to have collaborated with fraud rings in Myanmar and Thailand to lure Taiwanese nationals into scam operations. They used overseas job advertisements that promised high salaries to attract their victims.