Myanmar deports 336 foreign nationals involved in telecom fraud and criminal enterprises

Published 14 May 2025

A total of 336 foreign nationals involved in online scams (telecom fraud) and other criminal activities have been deported from Myanmar to their respective countries, according to official sources.

These individuals had illegally entered Myanmar via border routes, primarily through neighboring countries including Thailand, and were found to be engaged in online gambling, telecom fraud, and other crimes in areas such as Myawaddy-Shwe Kokko, KK Park, and Kyaikhto in Kayin State.

Among the deportees were:35 Pakistani nationals, 1 South African national, 211 Vietnamese nationals and 89 Ethiopian nationals.

They were handed over on May 13 via the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge No. 2. The deportation process was carried out in accordance with humanitarian principles and bilateral relations, as well as relevant legal procedures.

To ensure a smooth and systematic deportation, Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs U Saw Tun Aung and other officials inspected the process, verified documentation, and coordinated with respective diplomatic representatives.

The handover ceremony was attended by: Muhammad Asif, Counsellor, Embassy of Pakistan in Thailand, Hendrik Albertus Fourie, First Secretary, Embassy of South Africa in Thailand, Hoang Minh Hai, First Secretary, Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand, Wendwosen Melkamu, Second Secretary, Embassy of Ethiopia in India, Thai immigration officials and Myanmar authorities.

From January 30 to May 13, Myanmar authorities apprehended a total of 9,059 illegal foreign entrants, out of which 8,132 have already been deported via Thailand to their home countries. The remaining 927 individuals are being prepared for deportation and are currently being safely housed and monitored.

Myanmar continues efforts to crack down on online scam operations, aiming to identify and arrest foreign perpetrators, including those orchestrating operations from behind the scenes. The government is also cooperating with other countries to repatriate foreign victims of human trafficking and those facing hardship in Myanmar.