Relatives of four Muslim individuals residing in Sittwe Township, located in Rakhine State, have reported to DMG that these people were deceived with promises of secure employment but were subsequently trafficked.
The individuals affected by human trafficking are Mamousor Leim (16), residing in the refugee camp at Ohntawgyi (North) village; Halaya and Saulyautamein, residents of Khaungdoukka village; and Tahar (age unknown), who lives in Bawdupha village.
According to their families, Bitahya, a resident of Khaungdoukka village, took the four individuals on July 1st under the pretext of providing employment opportunities in Rathedaung Township.
However, in truth, Bitahya directed these individuals to Seanchuahlam, a resident of Alahthin village in Sittwe Township, who then facilitated their connection to a human trafficking intermediary named Sawmawdein, hailing from Kahtinpeik hamlet.
"We went to meet Sawmawdein and talked. He demanded 6 million kyats to release my son safely. He even threatened to kill him if we didn't pay. Our family is struggling even for basic meals every day. We can't afford the 6 million kyats he wants. Please help bring back my son”, Daw Mongtarsbaegong, Mamousor Leim's mother appealed.
Daw Mongtarsbaegong also said that he visited the Sittwe No.1 Police Station on August 12th to file a report about his son being trafficked.
"Sawmawdein is still living peacefully in Kahtinpeik without any police arrest. I'm currently in touch with my son and found out they've been arrested in Bago”, she told DMG.
DMG reached out to Sittwe No.1 Police Station for an investigation into the incident but was unable to establish contact. DMG is also trying to reach individuals who have been trafficked.
According to Ko Einues, who is responsible for the camp, there have been cases of trafficking and extortion involving residents of Ohntawgyi (North) refugee camp before.
"In some instances, smugglers ask people in the camp to pay them 8 million kyats for transport and a job opportunity in Malaysia. With many camp residents unemployed, they often trust these promises”, he said.
In Rakhine State, some Muslim communities facing restricted movement and job scarcity have encountered scams and arrests while seeking overseas employment opportunities.
