MYANMAR is placing strong emphasis on eradicating online fraud and online gambling, which pose serious threats to people’s livelihoods and safety worldwide. In this effort, security personnel and administrative bodies have been conducting joint operations in the KK Park area, where such illegal activities are most heavily concentrated. They have also been searching for and demolishing illegal buildings. In addition, foreign nationals involved in online gambling and online fraud in the Shwe Kokko area have been identified and detained.
A total of 11 out of 635 buildings used for online fraud and online gambling were demolished yesterday in the Myawady-Maethawtalay (KK Park) area. So far, the authorities have dismantled 217 illegal buildings and continue to carry out demolition operations on the remaining illegal structures.
Likewise, the operation has been conducted in the Shwe Kokko area since 18 November. On the sixth day, yesterday, the authorities searched and inspected 33 buildings in the area. During the inspection, no individuals involved in online fraud or online gambling were found, as they had already taken their computers, related accessories, and mobile phones with them.
Yesterday, the authorities arrested and detained a total of 156 foreign nationals in the Shwe Kokko area for involvement in online fraud and online gambling, including 65 Chinese, eight Vietnamese, one Malaysian, 13 Kenyan, four Ethiopian, six Indonesian, six Ugandan, one Nepali, 20 Indian, one Zimbabwean, seven Filipino, two Rwandan, three Nigerian, five Thai, one Kazakh, one Uzbek, one Benin, eight Burundian, one Togolese, and one Singaporean, who had been hiding after committing offenses via neighbouring countries, including Thailand. As part of the ongoing operation in the Shwe Kokko area, a total of 1,746 foreign nationals who entered Myanmar illegally have been arrested from 18 November to date. Moreover, authorities have seized 2,893 computers, 21,750 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, 21 routers, and a large quantity of industrial materials used in online fraud and gambling activities. The operation is continuing.
The arrested foreign nationals are being detained in a building within the Lonhtin compound of Shwe Kokko Myaing Village, Pulwepu Village-tract, Myawady Township. Yesterday, the Illegal Foreigner Investigation Team verified 288 foreign nationals. The relevant departmental joint teams are carrying out the necessary procedures, including collecting personal data and recording required documentation, to ensure their prompt repatriation to their respective countries.
From 30 January to 23 November 2025, a total of 12,586 foreign nationals who had entered Myanmar illegally were detained. Of these, 12,143 individuals were screened, and 9,978 have been systematically deported to their respective countries through Thailand in accordance with legal procedures. The remaining 2,608 foreign nationals are now ready to be transferred to their countries and are being properly held and cared for during the process.
The government considers the eradication of online fraud and online gambling a national responsibility and, to ensure that such activities can no longer operate within Myanmar, will continue its efforts in coordination not only with domestic authorities but also with the governments of neighboring countries. — MNA/TH
