The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that 17 more Sri Lankans are being forcibly employed in cybercrime operations in Myanmar.

According to the ministry, the individuals had initially traveled on tourist visas but were later coerced into participating in illegal cyber activities.

The group is being held near the Thailand-Myanmar border in an area labeled on Google Maps as a “Cyber Criminal Area.” This region, located approximately 25 kilometers from the city of Myawaddy, is reportedly under the full control of a terrorist group.

Previously, another group of Sri Lankans forced into similar cybercrime operations in the same area was rescued after intensive efforts by authorities.

Many of the young Sri Lankan men and women had traveled abroad with hopes of securing jobs in the IT sector, only to fall victim to coercion and exploitation.