Myanmar Military Rounds Up Over 700 Scammers Near Thai Border

Myanmar troops have rounded up 777 individuals, including Chinese and Thai nationals, suspected of online scamming in Myawaddy, Kayin State, near the Thai border, Amarin TV reported on July 29. The operation took place in an area where clashes with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) have been occurring. According to Myawaddy officials, soldiers from the 22nd Light Infantry Division arrested the group of scammers last Saturday, July 25. The arrested individuals include 620 Chinese men, 11 Chinese women, 3 Thai women, 32 Myanmar men, and 111 Myanmar women. Among the seized items were 85 computers, 183 mobile phones, and one Starlink satellite internet device, believed to have been used in cybercrimes. Foreign nationals have been detained in Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State, and legal proceedings are expected to commence after the investigation is complete. Authorities also revealed that clashes occurred with several armed groups during the operation, which they claim were protecting the call center scam gang. Firearms, ammunition, concrete bunkers, and other military equipment were also confiscated. The success of this operation has begun to be reported by Myanmar's state media following a statement issued by the government in the capital, Naypyidaw. This crackdown highlights the potential scale of cross-border criminal organizations.