Kenya Rescues 119 Citizens From Myanmar Fraud Camps; 86 Refuse Evacuation

Kenya has repatriated 119 citizens from Myanmar as part of an ongoing operation to assist nationals trapped in scam compounds across Southeast Asia.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said 198 Kenyans remain in the region, including 129 in shelters in Myanmar, 66 detained in Thailand and three receiving assistance from a Catholic organisation in Cambodia. Officials said some individuals initially declined evacuation, citing travel costs and circulating misleading information online, but later agreed to cooperate after submitting next-of-kin details.

The Kenyans were recruited by criminal networks operating in Myanmar’s Karen State near the Thai border. They were promised legitimate employment but were later forced to take part in online fraud activities. These operations were often protected by armed groups controlling the area.

In September, Myanmar’s military carried out raids on the compounds, arresting suspects, demolishing facilities and engaging in clashes with insurgent groups. The syndicates fled during the operations, leaving behind hundreds of foreign nationals. Many sought refuge in military-run shelters, while others crossed into Thailand.

Kenya’s response began after authorities compiled an initial list of 126 affected citizens. The government set up communication channels with families, negotiated discounted fares with Kenya Airways and issued emergency travel documents to those without passports. 

Transport from shelters to airports was covered by the State Department, while Thai authorities assisted with cross-border movement via the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. Seven Kenyans are still awaiting new travel bookings after last-minute cancellations. Officials said departures are expected to resume once border restrictions ease after the festive period.

All returnees are interviewed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Transnational Organised Crime Unit on arrival in Nairobi. The interviews are intended to support investigations and potential prosecutions linked to human trafficking and organised fraud. Counselling services are also being provided to those affected and their families.

The government noted that many of the stranded individuals had entered Thailand on tourist visas between April 2024 and November 2025, despite restrictions on employment. Some had previously declined evacuation and later returned to the scam operations, complicating rescue efforts.