Press release: Press release on online scams and gambling activities

It’s learnt that the illegal online gambling and other criminal activities are currently taking place within the territory of Kayin State, specifically in the areas of Myawady-Shwekokko and KK Park.

The Shwekokko region, initially developed as an economic development project in 2016, was halted after reports in the media indicated that illegal businesses were being conducted in the area. The multi armed groups continue to operate in the region, and there are some limitations and challenges for law enforcement agencies and authoritiesin ensuring full rule of law and governance.

This instability has allowed individuals involved in criminal activities, including illegal online gambling, to exploit the situation for personal gain. Furthermore, the necessary infrastructure for online scams—such as electricity and internet connections—are not obtained from within Myanmar but are acquired through neighboring country.

Most of the foundational investments and infrastructure have been set up by foreign entities. The individuals involved in these activities had initially operated in countries like the Philippines and Cambodia around 2015, before shifting their operations to Myanmar in 2019.

Regarding the disappearance of Chinese national Mr. Wang Xing (a movie actor) in the Thai-Myanmar (Mae Sot-Myawady) border area, media reports suggest that the criminal groups forcefully taken him subsequently facilitated his transfer back to Thailand.

Additionally, near a bridge on Chit Kyi Yay Road in No.5 Ward, three Chinese nationals, Mr. Cheng Xiao Ning and two others, were found to have entered Myanmar illegally from Thailand in 2022-2023. They were involved in online scams, and later fled due to non-payment of their salaries. Similarly, two other Chinese nationals, Mr. Yin Jie and Mr. Huang Xiang, were found in Maywady, having entered Myanmar illegally via Thailand in 2023.

The Myanmar government, in cooperation with neighboring countries, continues to take strong measures to curb these online scams and gambling activities. Between October 5, 2023, and January 13, 2025, a total of 55,711 individuals have been repatriated to their respective countries. Ongoing investigations continue to uncover more victims, with 4,176 individuals, including nationals from 38 countries such as ASEAN members, China, and countries in Europe and South Africa, having been assisted in their search and identification.

Until January 19, 2025, 1,292 individuals, including 958 men and 334 women, were successfully located. Of these, 1,284 individuals were repatriated to their respective countries, with 8 individuals—5 from Vietnam, 1 from Pakistan, and 2 from China—still pending repatriation. Efforts to locate and investigate the remaining 2,884 individuals continue, and information is being exchanged with the relevant embassies and countries in real-time. Myanmar, in cooperation with China, has conducted two major crackdowns on online scam centers located in Shan State (North) in 2024.

The first operation took place from March 28 to 31, and the second from September 23 to 26. The individuals involved in these online scams and gambling activities are not ordinary citizens but are criminals who have fled justice in their respective countries. As reported by the SAC Information Committee, "It is not the case that the Chinese are scamming Myanmar people or vice versa, but rather that criminals—fugitives—are scamming both nations.

The criminals involved must be exposed and held accountable, along with those who provide protection to them." Therefore, as these activities continue to destabilize the region, it is critical for law enforcement agencies and governing authorities to fully take charge.

These individuals, often associated with armed ethnic groups including some NCA (Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement) Signatories, are operating with the support of criminal elements, and Myanmar is working closely with international organizations to identify and hold accountable those involved. Local organizations and citizens are encouraged to report any information related to these online scams and illegal gambling, as part of the national duty to help eliminate these criminal activities.