The Myanmar government has repatriated 136 Myanmar nationals involved in online scam and illegal gambling operations in Cambodia in the first phase of a coordinated return effort, according to official sources.

Myanmar authorities said they are prioritizing the crackdown on online scams and illegal online gambling—activities that pose risks at both regional and global levels—as a national responsibility. In cooperation with neighboring countries, regional partners, and international organizations, the government is actively working to identify, arrest, and take effective legal action against individuals involved in online scam centers, including foreign nationals believed to be operating behind the scenes.

As part of these efforts, Myanmar has also been conducting lawful screenings of foreign nationals present in the country for various reasons, returning those involved in illicit activities to their respective countries in accordance with the law, humanitarian principles, and bilateral relations. Key offenders have been detained and formally handed over to the relevant authorities.

Similarly, the Cambodian government is intensifying its own operations against online scams and illegal gambling within its territory. As a result, Myanmar nationals who became involved in such activities for various reasons have been transferred either under Cambodian authorities’ arrangements or through referrals by the Cambodian police and relevant departments.

On January 23,  a total pf 675 Myanmar nationals arrived at the Myanmar Embassy in Cambodia, officials said. The repatriation of 136 individuals marks the first batch to be returned to Myanmar under the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

The relevant officials will collect the necessary personal information and census of the Myanmar citizens returning from Cambodia, conduct the necessary checks, and proceed with the procedures, and will continue to work to bring back the remaining Myanmar citizens in Cambodia as soon as possible.