Myanmar Details Nationwide Crackdown on Telecom Fraud and Online Gambling

Speaking at a press briefing in Yangon, senior ministers, security officials and police representatives detailed coordinated actions across multiple states, stressing that the networks were largely foreign-led and operated in areas where state authority had been weakened. The briefing, reported by The Global New Light of Myanmar, was attended by both domestic and international media.

Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the National Defence and Security Council’s Information Team, said the criminal enterprises did not originate in Myanmar but were established by foreign nationals who entered the country through neighbouring states. According to him, these groups operated under the protection of armed insurgent organisations in border areas with limited administrative control. Locations identified included Laukkai and Muse in northern Shan State, as well as Shwe Kokko, KK Park and Chongkhaed in Kayin State.

Officials said the rapid expansion of online fraud and gambling operations began after 2019, when COVID-19 restrictions and subsequent political instability undermined local security. In response, Myanmar authorities launched joint operations with neighbouring countries. Cooperation with China in Laukkai and Muse resulted in the arrest and repatriation of large numbers of suspects, while trilateral efforts involving Myanmar, China and Thailand are continuing in the Myawady area.

Government figures indicate that between October 2023 and December 2025, a total of 70,135 foreign nationals from 54 countries were repatriated. In Kayin State alone, authorities said 13,272 individuals were rescued from scam compounds during 2025.

The government also highlighted large-scale demolitions of illegal structures used by criminal groups. In KK Park and Shwe Kokko, 413 buildings have been dismantled to prevent the re-establishment of illicit activities, despite clashes with insurgent forces attempting to obstruct law-enforcement operations. Officials said further demolitions are planned.

Beyond telecom fraud, the briefing addressed Myanmar’s broader efforts to combat human trafficking, narcotics and money laundering. Authorities pointed to regional cooperation frameworks through ASEAN, BIMSTEC and Mekong-based mechanisms as central to these initiatives.

Major General Zaw Min Tun reaffirmed a “zero tolerance” policy toward telecom fraud and online gambling, stating that all those involved would face full legal action. He urged countries whose citizens remain detained to accelerate repatriation processes and called for sustained international cooperation, emphasizing that Myanmar “cannot solve the problem alone.”