NOTICE! This year, the Laotian public security will intensify efforts to continue cracking down on telecommunications fraud, ensuring a complete eradication within the Golden Triangle Special Zone!

In 2024, the Lao authorities launched 9 special operations against telecommunication fraud activities within the Golden Triangle Economic Zone. During these operations, 267 such call (tele-fraud) centers in the Golden Triangle Economic Zone were shut down, and individuals from 16 different countries were arrested for their involvement. Colonel Anuxin, the director of the Golden Triangle Economic Zone Security Command, stated: Under the directives of the Party Central Committee, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Golden Triangle Economic Zone Security Command, significant progress has been made in dismantling tele-fraud call centers and other illegal activities in the zone, especially in combating tele-fraud.

This crackdown is part of a broader effort to address and eliminate the surge of fraudulent call center activities in the region, particularly within the economic zone. The Lao police force closely cooperated with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, including those from China and Vietnam, to identify and arrest criminals. Authorities acted swiftly, coordinating with relevant ministries and embassies of various countries in Laos to ensure that their nationals involved in crimes were deported. Lao nationals working at the call centers received written warnings and were repatriated to their registered residences. In addition to arresting suspects, authorities also seized thousands of devices used for fraud.

In June 2024: Lao police expelled 280 Chinese citizens operating illegal call centers and seized over 450 computers and 1,300 mobile phones.

In August 2024: Another 14 Indian citizens were rescued from a cyber fraud gang in Bokeo, bringing the total number of rescued Indian citizens to 548 by the end of the year.

In August 2024: The police also targeted 46 businesses suspected of telecommunication fraud, confiscating over 10,000 computers, more than 11,000 mobile phones, and a sum of cash equivalent to 710 RMB (approximately 99.83 USD).

Looking ahead to 2025: The authorities plan to intensify efforts to clear more illegal operations within the economic zone, including the parks where fraudsters are active. This will require ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Public Security, local authorities, and international law enforcement agencies.