Crackdown of Online Fraud: Crackdown of online fraud and gambling continued

The Government of Myanmar is prioritizing the crackdown on online fraud and online gambling operations, which pose dangers to the international community and the entire world, treating it as a national duty. In the ongoing efforts to combat these online fraud and gambling activities, joint task forces comprising security force members, administrative bodies, and multiple other groups have been conducting clearance operations.

These operations began entering the Myawady-Mae Htaw Tha Lay (KK Park) area which was initiated by Mula-I Alin Company and Tran-Asia International Holding Group (Thailand), starting in October. Similarly, operations commenced on the morning of November 18 in the Shwe Kokko area, a project initially built for regional development and business purposes but whose project activities had been halted.

During these operations, individuals identified as perpetrators of online fraud and gambling are being subjected to necessary scrutiny and then systematically repatriated to their respective countries. Furthermore, to prevent the re-establishment of online fraud and gambling activities and to stop further criminal operations in these areas, unauthorized buildings are being completely demolished and razed.

These demolition activities are being carried out systematically using heavy machinery and advanced demolition technologies, including controlled explosions. As of 6 PM on November 19, within the Myawady-Mae Htaw Tha Lay (KK Park) area, 170 out of 635 buildings used for online fraud and gambling have been demolished. Work continues on demolishing the remaining 465 buildings. Similarly, clearance operations began on November 18, in the Shwe Kokko area and continued into the second day.

As of 6 PM this day, within 13 unauthorized buildings, authorities have inspected and seized 184 Chineses, 3 Malaysians, 14 Filipinos, 2 Nepalis, 6 Thai nationals, 7 Vietnameses, 1 Nigerian, and 48 Indonesians  a total of 265 individuals who were illegally residing in Myanmar. Additionally, they seized 2,339 computers, 2,950 mobile phones, and a large quantity of equipment used for committing online fraud and gambling.

Consequently, according to the total clearances in the Shwe Kokko area so far, 611 foreigners under verification for illegal entry and residence in Myanmar have been identified, along with 2,653 computers, 19,650 mobile phones, and a large amount of equipment used for online fraud and gambling. Clearance operations are ongoing. The foreign nationals who have been detained are currently held in a building at Lon Htin Wun area within Shwe Kokko Myaing village, Pulwepu village tract, Myawady Township.

The Illegal Foreign Nationals Inspection Team has already screened 200 individuals. Efforts are underway by joint departmental teams to collect necessary personal information and records to facilitate their swift repatriation to their respective countries.

The Government, treating the crackdown on online fraud and gambling as a national duty, will continue its operations to prevent these activities from taking root within Myanmar. These efforts will involve coordination not only with domestic forces but also with neighboring governments, it is reported.