Myanmar's Ministry of Information has detailed the latest phase of its crackdown on online gambling and telecom fraud in the Myawaddy region, confirming large-scale arrests and expanded cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Indeed, this latest update was delivered by the leader of the National Defence and Security Council information team. According to the statement, security forces and departmental teams carried out operations on 18 November in the Shwe Kokko area north of Myawaddy. Three buildings constructed without official approval were cleared, resulting in the arrest of 346 foreign nationals currently under investigation.
Authorities also seized close to 10,000 mobile phones and related devices said to have been used in online gambling operations. Border attempts by suspects to flee the area are also being monitored.
The Ministry identified three zones where online gambling operations have been active: KK Park to the south, Shwe Kokko to the north, and Chongkhaed at the southernmost point.
It reiterated earlier allegations regarding companies connected to each site, including Mulaei Alin and Tran-Asia International Holding Group at KK Park, Myanmar Yatai International Holding Group at Shwe Kokko and Chongkhaed Garden Resort at the third location.
Authorities said most foreign nationals involved in telecom fraud entered Myanmar from the neighboring country after 2021. The Ministry described the involvement of ethnic armed organizations; factions aligned with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and border guard groups that facilitated business operators seeking personal gain.
Officials also addressed concerns raised by the neighbouring country over demolition activity at KK Park. The Ministry said technical demolition methods ensured debris did not fall across the border, supported by video evidence.
The statement referenced the United States announcement of a cyber-fraud strike force and noted allegations concerning Chinese criminal networks. Myanmar said no evidence of foreign-led operations had been observed on the ground.
Myanmar emphasized its own regional partnerships, including the China-Myanmar Joint Task Force in Laukkai and the Myanmar-Thailand-China mechanism in Myawaddy. It also confirmed participation in the six-nation anti-fraud meeting held in Kunming on 14 November involving China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Officials urged citizens and media to report any information related to telecom fraud or online gambling and reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating such activities from Myanmar's territory.
The local government has stated three areas in the Myawaddy zone have been central to online gambling activity
