The Government of Myanmar has detained nearly 400 foreign nationals during a coordinated raid targeting online scam and illegal gambling operations in Tachilek.
Officials described the crackdown as part of a broader national effort to dismantle cross-border cybercrime networks harming both the region and the wider international community, as reported by The Global New Light of Myanmar.
A combined security team in Tachilek Township, Shan State (East), raided a building known as “International Hotel” on Mekong 2 Street after receiving intelligence that online scam centres and gambling platforms were operating inside. The establishment had no hotel licence, authorities said.
During the operation, officers arrested 297 Chinese nationals (289 men and eight women), 28 Malaysians (31 men and seven women), 57 Vietnamese (46 men and 11 women) and one Filipino woman, bringing the total number of detainees to 393. Authorities also seized significant evidence, including 174 computers, 70 central processing units, nine Starlink receivers, 233 mobile phones and various materials believed to have been used in telecom fraud.
Myanmar officials stated that all seized equipment will be processed in accordance with established legal procedures. The detained individuals will undergo verification and legal inspection before being repatriated to their respective countries, with the government emphasising cooperation based on humanitarian considerations and bilateral agreements.
The crackdown is part of intensified efforts by Myanmar’s authorities, who say eliminating online scam and gambling networks is a national duty and requires coordination with neighbouring governments. Further operations are expected as the country continues its campaign against cross-border cybercrime.
Starlink receivers and large computer clusters are commonly associated with high-volume online scam operations throughout the region
