Large-Scale Crackdown in Northern Myanmar
Chinese and Myanmar law enforcement agencies have dismantled all large-scale telecom fraud operations in northern Myanmar, Chinese state media reported on Thursday. This follows a coordinated operation over the weekend that led to the arrest of more than 700 suspects.
Arrests and Repatriation
On November 17, authorities apprehended 763 Chinese nationals in Tangyan, northern Myanmar, including 69 fugitives, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The suspects, along with relevant evidence, were handed over to China.
China’s Anti-Fraud Campaign
China launched an intensified campaign last year to combat telecom fraud emanating from Myanmar after crimes targeting Chinese citizens surged. Since the campaign’s inception, over 53,000 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in fraud have been arrested, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
Fraud Operations Relocate Deeper into Myanmar
As enforcement tightened, fraud networks relocated to more remote areas such as Wan Hai, Tangyan, and Myawaddy, Xinhua reported. Despite this, Chinese authorities have vowed to continue a high-pressure crackdown on cross-border telecom fraud, likening the crime to a “cancer” that must be eradicated.
Scope of the Problem
Chinese state media previously reported that more than 100,000 individuals operated daily in at least 1,000 telecom scam centres across Myanmar.
Call for Greater Cooperation
Earlier this month, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to discuss strengthening joint efforts against cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud. Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to tackle the growing threat.