On Sunday, Myanmar’s military government called on the international community to repatriate hundreds of foreigners detained during a crackdown on scam operations linked to telecom fraud and online gambling.
Myanmar Authorities Condemn Online Gambling Fraud
At a press conference, Major General Zaw Min Tun, Head of the Information Team of Myanmar’s National Defense and Security Council, called telecom fraud and online gambling a threat to national security, stating that these crimes erode public trust, economic stability, national order, and the country’s reputation. He added that Myanmar does not tolerate telecom fraud or online gambling and is actively working with the international community to combat these activities.
According to the Major General, these illegal online fraud and gambling networks were not created in Myanmar. Instead, they were set up by foreign nationals who entered via neighboring countries and operated under the protection of armed insurgent groups in border regions with limited government control. These areas include Laukkai and Muse in northern Shan State, as well as Shwe Kokko, KK Park, and Chongkhaed in Kayin State.
Myanmar Continues Its Fight Against Illegal Gambling Fraud Centers
Officials noted that criminal networks grew quickly after 2019, as COVID-19 restrictions and subsequent political instability undermined local security. Joint operations between Myanmar and China in Laukkai and Muse resulted in the arrest and repatriation of many suspects, while trilateral cooperation with China and Thailand continues in Myawady.
Major General Zaw Min Tun reaffirmed a “zero tolerance” stance, warning that anyone involved in telecom fraud or online gambling would be held fully accountable under the law. He called on countries with detained citizens to speed up their repatriation and appealed for ongoing international cooperation, emphasizing that Myanmar cannot tackle the problem alone.
Major General Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, said that since the crackdown began in January of this year, 13,272 foreigners from 47 countries have been detained. He added that while most have been deported, 1,655 remain in detention. Just last month, authorities arrested over 300 people from a single raid, which targeted a facility that operated online gambling scams.
Myanmar has gained a reputation for harboring cyber scam operations that target victims worldwide. These schemes often involve building trust through romantic approaches before enticing individuals into fraudulent investment programs. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, such activities generate nearly $40 billion annually for criminal networks.