Individuals involved in online scam and illegal gambling operations in the Kyaukhat area of Myawady Township in Kayin State were allegedly transported by some ethnic armed groups to the Myanmar–Thailand border in exchange for payment, according to reports.
The government stated that it has been cooperating with neighboring countries, regional nations, and international organizations to combat online scam and gambling activities and to prevent such operations from establishing bases inside Myanmar.
As part of these efforts, military columns conducting security operations in Kyaukhat, Myawady Township, Kayin State, reportedly engaged in clashes with joint KNLA and PDF groups accused of providing protection to online scam operators in return for financial benefits. Authorities announced on July 27 that they had arrested a total of 777 individuals involved in online scam and gambling activities. Those detained included 620 Chinese men, 11 Chinese women, three Thai women, 32 Myanmar men, and 111 Myanmar women. Seized items included one Starlink satellite device, 85 computers, and 183 mobile phones allegedly used in the operations.
The arrested suspects were transferred to Myawady, where authorities are conducting necessary investigations in accordance with legal procedures. Officials said that, upon completion of the investigations, effective legal action would be taken under existing laws and that the confiscated equipment would be handled according to relevant procedures.
Authorities further reported that approximately 210 foreign nationals involved in online scam operations in Kyaukhat Village, Myawady Township, were transported on July 17 and 18 toward the Myanmar–Thailand border via the Kyaukhat–Waw Lay route. According to the report, some ethnic armed groups collected fees and used vehicles to transport them to a location about 2.6 kilometers southwest of Waw Lay, from where they crossed the Myanmar–Thailand border and fled into Thailand. The report stated that the movement was intended to facilitate their eventual repatriation to their respective countries through Thailand.
The government said it is continuing to work with neighboring and regional countries, as well as international organizations, to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved in online scam and gambling activities, including foreign nationals alleged to be directing such operations from behind the scenes. It also stated that efforts are underway to expedite the repatriation of foreign nationals facing hardship and victims of human trafficking to their home countries.
