Myanmar has returned 283 Chinese nationals to their home country after authorities determined that they had entered Myanmar illegally and were involved in online gambling, telecommunications fraud and related criminal activity in the Myawady–Shwe Kokko area.
The Ministry of Information said the repatriation was carried out in line with legal procedures and humanitarian considerations.
Officials stated that the individuals had crossed into Myanmar from neighbouring countries including Thailand through irregular border routes. They were repatriated through the Myanmar–Thailand Friendship Bridge II following a coordinated review of records and documentation.
Lt Col San Shwe of the Myawady District Administration and Management Committee supervised the verification process. Relevant departments worked together to confirm identities and ensure that the transfer proceeded safely and efficiently.
The handover ceremony was attended by Deputy Director U Kyaw Kyaw Than from the Ministry of Immigration and Population, representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Public Security including Criminal Investigation Department official Wang Tianwei and officers from the Tak Province Immigration Office in Thailand. Myanmar officials formally transferred the required documents to the Chinese delegation as part of the procedure.
The Government said it is continuing to cooperate with neighbouring and regional countries as well as international organisations to identify foreign nationals involved in online scam centres and criminal networks.
Authorities also stressed the importance of promptly repatriating individuals who have been trafficked or who entered the country illegally and require assistance.
Officials stated that these joint operations remain essential for disrupting organised criminal groups and for protecting vulnerable people who may have been exploited.
Repatriations form part of wider operations against cross border scam centres
