Myanmar Detains 270 Foreign Nationals in Connection with Scam Operations

NAY PYI TAW — Myanmar authorities announced the detention of 273 foreign nationals from scam compounds located along the border with Thailand as a significant crackdown on illegal online activities unfolds. This coincides with a visit from a high-ranking Chinese official to the border regions.

According to the United Nations, criminal organizations have trafficked hundreds of thousands into Southeast Asia, with numerous victims coerced into working within these scam centres.

Although these operations have persisted for years, they have come under renewed scrutiny following the rescue of actor Wang Xing, who was abducted after being misled by job offers in Thailand.

A meeting involving officials from China, Myanmar, and Thailand took place in Myawaddy this week. The focus was on enhancing coordination against telecom fraud across the three nations.

Since late January, Myanmar has reported discovering 1,303 foreign nationals who had illegally entered and worked in scam compounds within the Myawaddy area, with 273 being detained this week alone.

Myanmar continues to face significant internal conflict following the military coup in 2021, leading to widespread protests and a rebellion against the current junta.

Many regions, including parts of Myawaddy, are now governed by various armed factions such as the Karen National Army, which operates under the leadership of regional warlord Col Saw Chit Thu.

“We will persevere until the eradication of scam centres and human trafficking is achieved,” he stated, reflecting the increasing pressure to address these issues from neighboring countries.

Responses have included cutting off electrical, fuel, and internet supplies to specific border areas to undermine these operations.

A recent group of 260 survivors from Myawaddy was reported to have entered Thailand, with most identified as victims of trafficking, according to local authorities.