Myanmar repatriates over 70,000 foreign nationals from scam centers over the past two years

Myanmar repatriates over 70,000 foreign nationals from scam centers over the past two years

Myanmar authorities said “special operations” over the past two years have led to the repatriation of more than 70,000 foreign nationals who were forced to work at scam centers, along with a demolition campaign targeting infrastructure linked to such compounds at a notorious enclave in Kayin State.

The region has in recent years become a hub for scam centers engaged in cybercrime, including internet and investment fraud, human trafficking and so-called pig-butchering schemes such as catfishing and romance scams. Workers from across Southeast Asia have been coerced into participating in the schemes while enduring torture, unlawful imprisonment and threats of organ harvesting. Reports say they often faced 17-hour workdays, constant surveillance and threats of murder if they tried to escape.

Such operations threaten national security, and Myanmar is “actively cooperating” with international partners to suppress scam networks operating in border areas, officials in Yangon said Sunday, according to Xinhua.

Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the National Defense and Security Council’s information team, said the “special operations” have resulted in the repatriation of more than 70,000 foreign nationals to 54 countries over “more than two years.” He said a government demolition campaign has destroyed infrastructure linked to scam compounds at KK Park, a notorious enclave in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State.

The Chinese state agency reported also that 398 buildings had been razed as of Dec. 12, out of 635 structures authorities describe as illegal.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj. Gen. Aung Kyaw Kyaw said a national-level Central Supervisory Committee on Combating Telecom Fraud and Online Gambling was established on Dec. 10 to eradicate online fraud in border regions, prevent it from spreading domestically and coordinate enforcement.

Officials again argued that Myanmar is not the “root cause” or primary beneficiary of the crimes and urged international organizations to provide practical assistance on intelligence-sharing, technology and training.

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project has previously reported that the junta has staged a series of raids on compounds tied to cyber scams, online gambling and money laundering, including in Shwe Kokko and KK Park. 

In October, the military said it arrested 2,198 people at KK Park and seized 30 Starlink satellite internet receivers. In November, authorities said they detained 346 foreign nationals in a raid on a Shwe Kokko scam center and seized nearly 10,000 mobile phones. Days later, state media reported a separate sweep that arrested more than 1,600 people, with thousands deported.