Wed Nov 19 07:35:27 UTC 2025: Summary:

Myanmar’s military claims to have raided a major internet scam hub in Shwe Kokko, near the Thai border, arresting around 350 foreign nationals and seizing thousands of mobile phones. The military accuses armed opposition groups of providing protection for these scam operations, which have flourished in the region since the COVID-19 pandemic. The operation follows international pressure, particularly from China, and is viewed by some as a propaganda effort to appease Beijing without significantly disrupting the lucrative scam industry that benefits the military government and its allies. The raid comes after similar actions, including a large-scale arrest at KK Park in October, and sanctions imposed by the US Treasury on individuals and companies involved in these operations.

News Article:

Myanmar Military Raids Scam Hub, Blames Opposition Groups

Shwe Kokko, Myanmar – Myanmar’s military announced a raid on a large-scale internet scam hub located in Shwe Kokko, near the Thai border, resulting in the arrest of approximately 350 foreign nationals. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, also led to the seizure of nearly 10,000 mobile phones used in online gambling and fraud activities, according to state media.

The military government has placed blame for the proliferation of these scam centers on armed opposition groups, accusing them of providing protection in exchange for unspecified benefits. The military claims this action was taken after regaining territorial control in the area.

The targeted facility is reportedly linked to Yatai International Holdings Group, associated with She Zhijiang, an alleged racketeer recently extradited from Thailand to China, where he faces charges related to online gambling and fraud. She and his company were previously sanctioned by both the US and the UK.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the border regions linking Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia have become notorious for the rise of online scam operations, estimated to generate billions of dollars by exploiting trafficked individuals forced to work in these compounds.

While Myanmar’s military government has been long accused of inaction, it has recently highlighted a crackdown, particularly after lobbying from China, a key ally. However, some observers believe the crackdown is largely a performative measure aimed at appeasing Beijing without undermining the revenue streams that benefit the military government and its affiliated militias.

This latest raid follows similar actions, including a major operation in October targeting KK Park, another notorious scam center on the Thai border. In September, the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned over 20 companies and individuals in Cambodia and Myanmar allegedly involved in these illicit operations. The ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay of politics, economics, and criminal activity in Myanmar’s volatile border regions.

Read More