Myanmar’s Government has detained 16 foreign nationals in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State, as part of an ongoing crackdown on individuals residing illegally in border regions and allegedly participating in online gambling, online fraud and other criminal activities.
The Ministry of Information announced that the detainees were identified after entering Myanmar through illegal routes from Thailand and neighbouring countries. Those detained include nine Chinese nationals, three Sri Lankan nationals, two Ethiopian nationals, one Vietnamese national and one Malaysian national.
According to authorities, each individual has been placed under screening procedures required for formal deportation.
Joint departmental task forces are now gathering personal records and other documentation needed to expedite repatriation. Senior officials, including Myawaddy District Administration and Management Committee Chairman and District Administrator U Kaung San Lin, inspected the process and coordinated with relevant departments to ensure procedures were properly implemented.
The Government stated that it is working closely with neighbouring and regional governments, as well as international organisations, to identify and arrest foreign nationals involved in operating online scam centres and other fraudulent networks. Authorities noted that those found to be masterminding such activities will face severe legal action.
In parallel, Myanmar is cooperating with international partners to facilitate the swift repatriation of foreign nationals in distress, including individuals who have been trafficked into criminal operations.
Officials reaffirmed that efforts to remove illegal residents and dismantle transnational crime networks would continue as part of broader cross-border security operations.
Myanmar is coordinating with neighbouring countries and international bodies to address scam centres and related cross-border crime
