Myanmar Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Scam Operations, Demolishing Centers and Detaining Foreign Nationals

Myanmar security forces have significantly escalated their campaign against illicit online gambling and scam operations, leading to the demolition of nearly 200 illegal structures in the Myawady-Maethawtalay (KK Park) area. This major operation, reported on November 22, 2025, underscores a concerted effort to dismantle a pervasive criminal enterprise along the Thai border.

thediplomat.com reported, The crackdown also resulted in the detention of 351 foreign nationals involved in these fraudulent activities, primarily in the Shwe Kokko area, according to Myanmar state media. These individuals were reportedly engaged in various online scams and telecom fraud, highlighting the transnational nature of the illicit networks.

The Myawady region, including KK Park and Shwe Kokko, has long been identified as a notorious hub for cybercrime, attracting international scrutiny. These areas, situated in Karen State near the Thai border, have become fertile ground for criminal syndicates, as noted by The Diplomat on November 20, 2025.

moi.gov.mm noted, This intensified action follows sustained international pressure, particularly from China, which has been increasingly vocal about its citizens being victimized and forced into labor within these scam compounds. The Hindu reported on November 19, 2025, that Myanmar's junta has been lobbied by its key military backer, China, to address the issue.

The operations target sophisticated fraud factories that exploit vulnerable individuals through romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and bogus investments. These illicit ventures often involve human trafficking, with workers lured under false pretenses and then forced into servitude, as detailed by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

thehindu.com reported, Myanmar's military government has framed these crackdowns as a "national duty" to eliminate telecom fraud and online gambling, which they state pose a threat to the global community. Major General Zaw Min Tun of the NDSC Information Team emphasized this commitment on November 19, 2025, according to Nation Thailand.

• The proliferation of online scam centers in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar's border regions, surged following the 2021 coup and the COVID-19 pandemic. Weakened state capacity and economic instability created an environment where criminal syndicates could thrive, establishing fortified compounds that operate with impunity, as reported by The Diplomat on November 15, 2025.
• Myawady, encompassing areas like KK Park and Shwe Kokko, has emerged as a primary nexus for these operations, often controlled by ethnic militias such as the Karen National Army (KNA) and Border Guard Force (BGF), which have historically been allied with the Myanmar military. The Diplomat noted on November 20, 2025, that these groups have been sanctioned by the U.S. government for facilitating human trafficking and cyber scams.
• China has exerted significant pressure on Myanmar to dismantle these scam networks, as a large number of Chinese nationals are both victims of the scams and forced laborers within the compounds. AFP reports cited by AGB on November 20, 2025, indicate that Myanmar has repatriated thousands of alleged scammers since February, following increased cross-border coordination with China.
• The human cost of these operations is severe, involving widespread human trafficking, forced labor, and egregious human rights abuses. Victims are often lured with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be imprisoned, tortured, and forced to defraud others, as highlighted by the OHCHR.
• The economic impact of these cyber-fraud schemes is staggering, with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime estimating that industrial-scale scam centers across Southeast Asia generate nearly $40 billion annually. The Manila Times reported on November 21, 2025, that victims in East and Southeast Asia alone lost up to $37 billion in 2023.
• International bodies and governments have intensified their response; the U.S. announced the formation of a "Scam Center Strike Force" in November 2025 to combat transnational crime networks in Southeast Asia, claiming Americans lost $10 billion to these scams in 2024, according to The Record.
• Despite the high-profile nature of recent crackdowns, skepticism remains regarding their long-term effectiveness and sincerity. Critics, including those cited by The Irrawaddy on November 19, 2025, suggest that these operations might be "window-dressing" or propaganda, with masterminds often escaping and the criminal industry adapting by relocating or fragmenting.
• The future outlook involves ongoing challenges, as criminal groups demonstrate adaptability by moving operations and utilizing advanced technologies like Starlink satellite internet to evade detection, as noted by The Diplomat on November 20, 2025. Sustained, coordinated international and regional efforts are crucial to effectively dismantle these deeply entrenched criminal enterprises.