Government warns of human trafficking syndicates masquerading as online job recruiters
Lilongwe, Malawi: The Ministry of Homeland Security is strongly warning the general public, especially the youth, about the growing threat of transnational human trafficking syndicates that pose as online employers.
This follows the recent repatriation of three Malawian nationals who were lured into trafficking networks and later smuggled into Myanmar.
In a press statement issued today, the Ministry revealed that these syndicates often promise lucrative employment opportunities in countries such as Malaysia and other parts of Asia.
Victims are commonly targeted through social media platforms like Facebook and Telegram.
Once recruited, they are provided with seemingly legitimate employment contracts, with promises of high salaries, paid airfare, and visa arrangements.
However, the reality is grim. Upon departure from Malawi, the victims’ travel routes are manipulated, leading them to rebel-controlled areas in Myanmar.
There, they are detained in camps and forced to engage in online scam operations. Victims face severe abuse, including torture and extortion.
“This has been revealed following the successful repatriation on April 23, 2025, of three Malawians who were smuggled into Myanmar through fraudulent online job advertisements,” reads the statement signed by Joseph Mtumodzi Chaua, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Homeland Security.
The Ministry reports that Myanmar authorities have apprehended 9,032 foreign nationals for illegal entry and involvement in online fraud, including scams and cybercrime.
Myanmar, which has been in conflict since the 2021 military coup, has seen a surge in syndicates exploiting foreign nationals in collaboration with local armed groups.
“Government is closely monitoring travel of Malawians to the concerned countries and has engaged law enforcement and border agencies to scrutinize documents of those intending to travel,” the statement further reads.
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