Myanmar’s military government has announced the arrest of nearly 1,600 foreign nationals during a high-profile crackdown on internet scam hubs along the Thai border. The operation, carried out over five days from November 18 to 22, targeted the notorious Shwe Kokko compound in Myanmar’s eastern Myawaddy township.
According to state media, the raids resulted in the seizure of 2,893 computers, 21,750 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, 21 routers, and a variety of industrial materials used for online fraud and illegal gambling.
Background on Scam Hubs in Myanmar
Myanmar’s border regions have become a hub for sprawling online fraud operations, targeting victims worldwide through romantic schemes and bogus investment opportunities. Estimates from the United Nations suggest scams in Southeast and East Asia alone cost victims up to $37 billion in 2023, with global losses likely even higher.
These operations are often staffed by a mix of willing workers and people trafficked from abroad, exploiting Myanmar’s weak governance in the borderlands.
China’s Influence and International Pressure
Analysts note that the Myanmar junta has historically turned a blind eye to the scam industry, which enriches militia allies and other stakeholders. However, the recent crackdown appears linked to pressure from China, a key military backer, increasingly frustrated by scams targeting its citizens.
Despite these high-profile operations, some experts suggest the raids may be largely symbolic, serving as a public relations effort rather than fully dismantling the lucrative criminal networks.
Recent Raids and Publicized Crackdowns
The Shwe Kokko raid included the detention of 223 individuals on a single day, including 100 Chinese nationals, according to The Global New Light of Myanmar. Video footage circulated by local media showed hundreds of computer monitors crushed by steamrollers next to piles of destroyed mobile phones, demonstrating the government’s attempt to publicize its enforcement efforts.
The crackdown also included previous raids on the KK Park complex, where buildings and equipment were demolished in similar displays of force.
Additionally, after an AFP investigation revealed widespread use of Starlink satellite devices at scam hubs, Elon Musk’s company reportedly disabled more than 2,500 devices in the area, limiting internet connectivity for illicit operations.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these efforts, critics argue that the masterminds behind scam operations remain at large, often relocating their networks to other regions. Myanmar’s borderlands remain a hotbed for cybercrime, fueled by local militias, lax enforcement, and international demand.
Ethnic tensions and the civil war following the 2021 military coup further complicate law enforcement, as militias and local groups exercise strong influence over border regions.
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