Online Scam Crackdown: 393 foreign nationals arrested in Tachileik

Authorities arrested 393 foreign nationals involved in online fraud and gambling operations in Tachileik of Shan State (East). A joint security team raided an unlicensed building named “International Hotel” in Mekong (2) Ward after receiving information about illegal activities.

Those arrested included 297 Chinese nationals, 38 Malaysians, 57 Vietnamese, and one Filipino. Officials also seized 174 computers, 70 CPUs, nine Starlink devices, 233 mobile phones, and other related equipment used in the online scam operations. Authorities said the suspects will be processed in accordance with legal procedures and arrangements will be made to repatriate them to their respective countries on humanitarian grounds.

The confiscated equipment will be systematically destroyed to prevent further use. The government stated that combating online fraud and gambling is a national priority and that cooperation with neighboring countries will continue to prevent such crimes from operating in Myanmar.