The Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) has issued a directive mandating that foreign individuals operating online businesses in the vicinity of Myawady Township, located in Kayin State, must vacate the area by October 31.

The Myawady Disciplinary Office of the BGF has issued a multilingual warning statement in Myanmar, English, and Chinese. It stipulates that all foreign nationals engaged in online business activities around Myawady Township must depart between May 1 and October 30, 2024. Those who have unlawfully crossed the border must exit by the specified date via the same route of entry. Failure to comply will result in punitive measures after October 30, the warning asserts.

Efforts by the Eleven Media Group to obtain updates on the situation from border guard officials have thus far yielded no response.

The majority of those affected by this mandate are of Chinese nationality. The directive follows heightened scrutiny and public outcry over online-related matters. Some individuals have already begun their departure. Those unable to return to their home countries may seek refuge in neighboring nations like Thailand. Border guard officials have stated in various media outlets that failure to adhere to the stipulated timeline will result in arrest and deportation to their respective embassies.

Earlier this year, the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) transitioned into the Karen National Army (KNA) after splitting from the Myanmar military. Despite this, the KNA collaborated with the military in reclaiming control of Infantry Battalion 275, responsible for town security in Myawady.

In an article published on April 22, 2024, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) alleged connections between leaders of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) and Chinese money laundering syndicates operating in Myawady Township.

The USIP article further claimed that these syndicates, involved in online fraud targeting American citizens, reside and operate within Shwe Kokko, an area under BGF control.

Currently, foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, residing unlawfully along the Myanmar-China border and engaging in online fraud activities, are being apprehended and repatriated to their home countries.

On April 25, 2024, Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, a member of the State Administration Council and Union Minister for Home Affairs, held discussions with Mr. Wang Xiaohun, a member of the State Council of China and Minister of Public Security, in Beijing, China. The talks centered on bilateral security, law enforcement, border area peace and stability, as well as initiatives to combat online fraud, human trafficking, and illegal drug trade. Both parties pledged cooperation in capacity building and joint efforts against transnational crimes. As a token of assistance, China provided a 5 million yuan aid package to the Myanmar police, and Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae was honored with the Golden Great Wall Commemorative Medal, the highest recognition for foreign law enforcement officials.