Crackdown on Online Frauds: 230 illegal immigrants have been detained on Monday

The government is taking decisive action to investigate and expose individuals involved in online scams (Online Scam) and online gambling (Online Gambling).

Authorities are collaborating with neighboring countries and international organizations, particularly through trilateral cooperation between Myanmar, China, and Thailand, to combat these crimes. Recently, 30 Filipino nationals and 23 Lao nationals who had illegally entered Myanmar through border routes and were involved in online gambling, fraud, and other criminal activities in Myawaddy Township and Mae Htaw Tha Lay area of Kayin State were deported on March 24 via the Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge No. (2).

The deportation was carried out in accordance with legal procedures, upholding humanitarian principles and friendly relations between nations. Additionally, 230 more foreign nationals have been identified and detained for further investigation. 

Early in the morning, Kayin State Security and Border Affairs Minister Colonel Min Thu Kyaw and officials inspected the living conditions, healthcare, and security arrangements for the foreign nationals awaiting deportation. Necessary instructions were given to relevant departments to ensure a smooth process. A handover ceremony was held, attended by Kayin State Security and Border Affairs Minister Col. Min Thu Kyaw and officials, Third Secretary Mr. Peter John V. Dela Fuente from the Philippine Embassy in Yangon, Third Secretary Mr. Heuangchalern Phommasone from the Lao Embassy in Thailand, Thai immigration officials from Tak Province. 

Myanmar authorities officially handed over the necessary deportation documents to the respective country representatives. 

On March 24, an additional 230 foreign nationals who had illegally entered Myanmar through unauthorized border crossings in the Mae Tha Saw Lay area were detained.

Authorities are collecting their personal details and records to facilitate their swift deportation.  From January 30 to March 24, 2025, a total of 8,432 illegal foreign nationals have been detained in Myanmar. Of these, 5,200 have already been deported to their home countries via Thailand**, following legal procedures. The remaining 3,232 individuals are ready for deportation and are being properly cared for in detention. 

The Myanmar government is actively identifying and arresting not only those directly involved in online scam centers but also the foreign masterminds behind these operations. Strict legal action is being taken against them.

Additionally, authorities are working closely with international partners to quickly repatriate foreign victims of human trafficking and those in distress. Efforts continue to dismantle transnational crime networks and ensure justice for all affected individuals.