Fourteen foreign nationals involved in online gambling, internet scams, and other criminal activities in the Shwe Kokko and KK Park areas of Myawaddy, Kayin State, have been arrested today (April 20), according to reports.

These individuals had reportedly entered Myanmar illegally via border routes, often transiting through neighboring countries, including Thailand. Authorities were able to apprehend them through further investigations and crackdowns.

Efforts are now underway to collect the necessary personal information and documentation for their repatriation. Officials from relevant departments are working in coordination to facilitate the transfer of the detainees back to their home countries as soon as possible. Kayin State’s Minister for Social Affairs, U Saw Tun Aung, personally monitored the procedures and addressed any necessary matters during the process.

From January 30 to April 20, a total of 9,032 foreign nationals who had entered Myanmar illegally were identified and detained. Of these, 7,288 were repatriated via Thailand to their respective home countries in accordance with legal procedures. An additional 1,743 are currently prepared for repatriation and are being held under appropriate supervision.

The arrested foreign nationals hail from a wide range of countries including China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nepal, Thailand, Rwanda, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Ghana, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Congo, Cameroon, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Madagascar, Romania, Liberia, Russia, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Taiwan (China).

Authorities continue to investigate and apprehend additional illegal entrants and are committed to returning them to their countries of origin through collaborative efforts with international and regional agencies.