Meeting to combat online scams: MOHA Union Minister addressed the meeting

A meeting to crack down the online scams and online gambling, which are occurring in border areas, was held at the Areindama Hall of Myanmar Police Force Headquarters, in Naypyidaw on Monday. In his speech at the meeting, the Chairman of Supervisory Committee on Prompt Legal Action and Deportation of Foreigners Who Enter Myanmar Illegally and the Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Yar Pyae stated that online scams are not only related to financial fraud but also connected to human trafficking, forced labor, drug trafficking, illegal activities, and money laundering.

The foreign nationals who are facing the difficulties are searched and rescued and transferred them to their respective countries. There is a need for cooperation among the origin country, transit country, and destination country through shared responsibility.

Perpetrators of these scams often obtain essential infrastructure, electricity, basic supplies, and internet connectivity through neighboring countries, and foreign nationals are involved in investing in infrastructure. Cooperation between Myanmar and China’s police forces through the Police Cooperation Center, as well as trilateral cooperation among Myanmar, China, and Thailand, is necessary.

A task force should be established among these countries to develop an action plan and coordinate efforts. Following this, the Secretary of the Central Committee, Chief of Myanmar Police Force, Police Lt-Gen. Win Zaw Moe, discussed ongoing efforts to uncover and apprehend online scams and online gambling operations in accordance with the law.

The Myanmar Police Force has been working closely with international police forces to exchange information through various communication channels and has also cooperated with international law enforcement agencies to combat online scams and assist foreign nationals facing difficulties within Myanmar.

The attendees of the meeting clarified the implementations of their respective responsibilities on related sectors and discussed necessary actions for international cooperation. Based on the discussions, the Central Committee Chairman Union Minister coordinated requirements.