Myanmar authorities have arrested seven people accused of involvement in online gambling networks as enforcement efforts continue across Yangon and Mandalay Regions.
The seven suspects, comprising two men and five women, were arrested in separate operations on September 2 and September 4. Authorities said the crackdown focused on senior-level agents suspected of recruiting players and managing networks of lower-level gambling agents.
A senior agent linked to Ibet 789 was arrested at Yangon International Airport, while another senior agent and two additional suspects were detained at a property in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Region.
Two further senior agents were arrested in Yangon, including one at the Mandarin Hotel in Hlinethaya Township and another at a residence in Thakayta Township.
Authorities seized 13 mobile phones, one laptop, one tablet and three vehicles allegedly connected to illegal gambling activities. Cases have been opened against the suspects, while investigations are continuing into individuals believed to be directing wider agent networks.
The arrests follow increased scrutiny of online gambling in Yangon. In August, regional lawmakers questioned whether existing enforcement measures were sufficient despite the introduction of Myanmar's Online Fraud Prevention Law and the establishment of dedicated enforcement committees.
Yangon authorities prosecuted nine online gambling cases involving 27 people in 2025. Enforcement increased during the first seven months of 2026, with 11 cases involving 29 suspects. Another 358 gambling cases involving 501 people were also handled during that period.
Myanmar has separately targeted the telecommunications channels used to promote gambling. In July, the Posts and Telecommunications Department said it had permanently blocked 390,978 phone numbers suspected of distributing gambling-related SMS advertisements.
Authorities said further arrests are expected as investigations into online gambling networks continue.
Yangon prosecuted 11 online gambling cases involving 29 people between January and July 2026
