Myanmar detains over 270 foreigners from scam compounds on Thai border

On February 17, Myanmar authorities detained 273 foreign nationals from scam compounds located along the country’s border with Thailand as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal online fraud operations. The move coincided with a visit by a senior Chinese official, Liu Zhongyi, to border towns on both sides, reflecting the increasing cooperation between Myanmar, Thailand, and China in addressing the growing issue of human trafficking and cybercrime.

According to the United Nations, criminal syndicates have trafficked hundreds of thousands of individuals into scam centers across Southeast Asia, where they are coerced into running fraudulent online schemes. These illicit operations have been ongoing for years but have only recently come under heightened scrutiny, particularly following the dramatic rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing. Wang had been kidnapped in Thailand after falling victim to a deceptive job offer and was later found in the Myanmar border town of Myawaddy, an area notorious for scam compounds.

In response to the escalating problem, officials from China, Myanmar, and Thailand held a coordination meeting in Myawaddy this week. During the discussions, the three countries focused on establishing preventative measures against telecom fraud and human trafficking. Myanmar’s state-run newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, reported on February 18 that authorities had been conducting extensive operations in the Myawaddy region since the end of January, uncovering a total of 1,303 foreigners who had entered the country illegally to work in scam compounds. The 273 individuals detained on February 17 were part of this broader effort.

Amid mounting regional pressure to dismantle scam operations, Myanmar authorities have been taking more aggressive actions, including cutting off electricity, fuel, and internet access to certain border areas known to harbor scam centers. These measures aim to disrupt the operations of criminal networks and prevent them from exploiting trafficked victims.

Meanwhile, Thailand has also been working to assist victims of these scams. Last week, a group of 260 individuals who had been rescued from scam compounds in Myawaddy arrived in Thailand. Most of them were identified as victims of human trafficking. Thai authorities have taken custody of two individuals for further investigation to determine their involvement in criminal activities.

The crackdown on scam operations along the Thailand-Myanmar border underscores the increasing collaboration between regional governments in combating transnational crime. Authorities in Myanmar, Thailand, and China have vowed to continue their efforts until human trafficking and cyber fraud operations in the region are completely eradicated.