Authorities in Kyaukme Township, northern Shan State, have arrested 28 foreign nationals involved in online fraud and illegal online gambling operations, along with large amounts of related equipment.
The government says it considers the suppression of online scams and gambling—crimes that threaten countries worldwide—an important national duty. It is working with local security forces as well as neighbouring countries to eliminate these operations inside Myanmar.
On November 30 and December 1, security forces raided areas near Taung Hteik Village in Kyaukme and discovered a large compound used for online scam and gambling activities. Although the operators had fled during the first raid, officers seized numerous buildings, computer equipment, Starlink devices, power stations, money-counting machines, and other materials.
Further clearance operations later led to the arrest of 28 suspects — all Chinese citizens — at several locations around Taung Hteik and Pon Wo villages.
Authorities say all seized buildings and materials used for online scams were destroyed. The arrested foreigners will be screened and prosecuted according to the law, and arrangements may be made to repatriate them on humanitarian grounds and in line with friendly relations between countries.
