Myanmar’s regime says it continues to clamp down on scam operations in Mongyai Township, northern Shan State, arresting 107 alleged scammers in a week.
On February 6, Chinese ambassador Ma Jia reportedly met the junta-appointed Shan State chief minister Aung Aung in Taunggyi, southern Shan State, to discuss border cooperation and efforts to combat online scams.
Junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun then told the media that the regime was combating online scam operations in northeastern and eastern Shan State.
According to the junta’s media, 20 criminals, including eight Chinese citizens, were seized on February 5; nine Chinese citizens were detained on February 6; 54 people, including 18 Vietnamese and 12 Chinese citizens, were apprehended on February 7; and 21 Chinese citizens were abducted on February 9. The other detainees were from Myanmar.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.
The regime said it would deport the alleged Chinese and Vietnamese scammers.
The regime said it handed over 61 foreigners, including 39 Chinese citizens, allegedly involved in scam operations at Shwe Kokko and KK Park near the border town of Myawaddy in Karen State to the Thai authorities.
Naypyitaw also claims it is raiding scam gangs in Tachileik Township in eastern Shan State on the Thai border.
The regime claims it will tackle online scam operations in collaboration with international agencies. China has been pressuring the regime and Thai government to crack down on the border scam compounds, following the kidnapping and rescue of Chinese celebrities from scam centers in January.
