The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) says Myanmar nationals allegedly trafficked from online scam compounds in Tachileik have been forced to work in Chinese-operated rare-earth mines in eastern Shan State under abusive conditions.

In a statement released on May 18, SHRF alleged that trafficked workers were transferred from scam compounds in Tachileik to mining sites in southern Mong Hsat Township near the Thai-Myanmar border, where they were subjected to forced labor under armed guard.

The report was based in part on testimony from a survivor identified as “Ko Thet” (pseudonym), who said he had previously worked at an online scam operation inside the Yaung Ni Oo compound, an area reportedly controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

According to SHRF, Ko Thet said he was accused of misconduct while working at the compound and was later transferred to a Chinese-operated rare-earth mine in Mong Yawn.

The foundation further alleged that an officer from the military council’s Anti-Trafficking Police Force was involved in transporting trafficked workers from Tachileik to Mong Hsat.

SHRF said around 30 detainees, including Ko Thet, were held at the mining site under the supervision of UWSA soldiers. The workers were reportedly required to perform hard labor while restrained, while those who attempted to escape were allegedly beaten and publicly punished.

The organization described the case as part of what it said was a broader pattern involving armed groups, transnational criminal networks, and resource extraction projects in Shan State.

In its statement, SHRF warned that rare-earth mining projects in eastern Shan State are expanding with limited oversight and are causing environmental damage in border areas.

The group alleged that mining activities linked to foreign investors and criminal networks have polluted rivers shared across the Thai-Myanmar border and are operating without adequate environmental safeguards.

SHRF also accused the military junta and certain armed organizations of enabling criminal activities linked to human trafficking and resource exploitation.