Hundreds of thousands of people have been lured into fake jobs across Southeast Asia after being promised lucrative employment.

They have been effectively treated as slaves, forced into working scam activities, swindling billions of dollars through fake romances, investments, cryptocurrency, and illegal gambling.

In war-torn Myanmar, the illegal scams are common, with its border towns being an opportune place for operations to thrive.

Thailand has recently cut off electricity, internet and gas supplies to several border areas in Myanmar in an attempt to disrupt the scam compounds.

As part of the joint crackdown by authorities in Thailand, Myanmar and China, thousands of trafficked people are now awaiting repatriation to their home countries. However, such a vast operation requires nations to claim their citizens before they are sent home.

People from a number of countries are reportedly being held in Myanmar, including thousands of Chinese, hundreds of Indians, Vietnamese, Ethiopians and other Africans.

Amy Miller, Southeast Asia director of Acts of Mercy International, an aid group based on the Thailand-Myanmar border, told the Associated Press that a global response is needed for home governments to........

© Deutsche Welle