Naypyidaw, Myanmar – In a significant operation targeting cyber fraud, the Myanmar military announced the arrest of approximately 1600 foreign nationals over the past five days. The crackdown focused on a notorious online scam center located near the Thai border.
According to the military council, 1590 foreigners who had allegedly entered Myanmar illegally were apprehended between November 18th and 22nd during raids on the Shwe Kokko complex, a known hub for gambling and online fraud. The announcement was made public via the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
Authorities also seized a substantial amount of equipment, including 2893 computers, 21,750 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, and 21 routers. A large quantity of materials used in online gambling and fraud activities were also confiscated.
Reports indicate that 223 individuals were arrested specifically for alleged involvement in online fraud and gambling operations at Shwe Kokko on Saturday alone, including 100 Chinese nationals. Local media footage showed the destruction of hundreds of computer monitors and piles of smashed mobile phones at the Shwe Kokko compound.
These large-scale scam centers have proliferated in Myanmar’s war-torn border regions. Operated by criminal organizations, they often employ trafficked workers who target internet users with romance and investment scams, generating tens of billions of dollars annually. The instability following the 2021 coup, which plunged the country into civil war, has exacerbated the problem, allowing these centers to flourish in areas outside government control.
Experts have long accused the Myanmar military council of turning a blind eye to the growth of this illicit industry. However, since February, the military has promoted a crackdown following pressure from China, a key military backer. Some observers believe that these raids are a calculated effort to appease Beijing without severely impacting the profits that enrich militias allied with the ruling military council.
