Myanmar Junta Says It Raided Online Scam Centre, Arrested Over 300

YANGON: Myanmar’s military junta announced on Tuesday that its forces raided a major online scam centre, arresting more than 300 individuals, including foreign nationals, in one of the country’s largest crackdowns on cybercrime operations.

According to state media, the raid was conducted in the border region of Shan State, an area notorious for online fraud syndicates linked to human trafficking and forced labour. Authorities claim the operation targeted a network involved in crypto fraud, social engineering scams, and illegal online gambling.

Details of the Raid

The junta reported that security forces stormed multiple buildings used as scam hubs, detaining operators, support staff, and trafficked workers. Confiscated items included:

• Dozens of computers and servers

• Fraud scripts and call-centre documents

• Mobile phones used for scam operations

• Financial records linked to crypto transfers

Officials stated that preliminary investigations suggest the network was part of a larger transnational syndicate.

Foreign Nationals Among the Arrested

Authorities confirmed that foreign citizens—reportedly from China, Thailand, and Bangladesh—were among those detained. Many victims were lured with fake job offers, forced to run online scams, or held captive until they cleared “debts” imposed by the operators.

A junta spokesperson told local media:

“This raid is part of our ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal groups exploiting digital platforms for cross-border fraud.”

Online Scams a Growing Regional Crisis

Online fraud centres have proliferated across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, often run by organised crime groups that exploit weak governance and border instability. The operations generate millions of dollars monthly and have drawn international pressure, especially from China, to curb illegal activities.

Human rights groups say that while shutting down trafficking hubs is necessary, the junta often exaggerates crackdown efforts and fails to address the humanitarian crisis faced by trafficked workers.

International Response Expected

China is expected to seek repatriation of its citizens arrested in the raid, while Myanmar’s junta hopes the operation will improve its international standing amid ongoing civil conflict and sanctions.

Conclusion

The arrest of over 300 suspects marks one of Myanmar’s biggest actions against online scam networks. However, rights groups caution that without broader reforms, such raids may do little to dismantle entrenched criminal syndicates.

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