A total of 26 Chinese nationals and eight Myanmar nationals have been arrested for allegedly running online gambling and scam operations near Mongnawng town in Kyethi Township, Southern Shan State, following three days of security operations from November 24 to 26.

Security forces conducting area patrols on November 24 discovered suspicious structures northwest of Naung Tauk Village. Upon inspection, they found that the area had been used for online fraud and gambling activities. Although no operators were present, authorities seized numerous temporary shelters—including five 40×20-ft huts, six  20×10-ft huts, seven 10×10-ft huts, ponds, guard posts, kitchens, 150 plastic chairs, furniture, two monitors, and a Starlink device.

On November 25, further searches near Kaung Hai Village, southeast of Mongnawng, uncovered additional temporary buildings used for online gambling. Seized items included three 70×30-ft shelters, two 40-ft-long shelters, 28 huts, three generators, a refrigerator, a freezer, five air coolers, and a Land Cruiser vehicle.

A third operation on November 26 near Wan Kyaung Village revealed several large corrugated-iron and tarpaulin structures used for non-residential and workshop purposes, including multiple shelters up to 150 feet long, as well as four 800-gallon water tanks.

Continuing their search south of Naung Tauk Village, security forces detained 34 suspects—26 Chinese and eight Myanmar citizens—believed to be involved in online gambling operations. Officers also seized several weapons, including MA-1, MA-13, AK-12, and carbine rifles, a Winchester shotgun, 9mm and 12-gauge ammunition, and ammunition cases.

Authorities say they will continue investigations to identify those responsible for burning temporary residences at the sites. The arrested foreign nationals will be repatriated according to humanitarian considerations and bilateral relations, while weapons and ammunition are being processed under standard procedures.