According to the results assessment meeting on telecommunications network fraud (call centers) held by the Lao government on January 7, 2025, significant achievements in combating telecommunications fraud have been made in the Golden Triangle area from 2022 to 2024.
The meeting detailed the latest progress in combating telecommunications fraud, with the Lao government continuing efforts to shut down illegal call centers and clean up network fraud activities in the region.
The meeting was chaired by Major General Kan Jin, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Director of the Police Department, with other government department leaders and relevant personnel also in attendance.
According to the report, there were a total of 306 scam call centers in the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, employing 15,970 people, including 6,120 Laotians and 9,868 foreigners.
To crack down on this illegal industry, over the past two years, the Lao government has shut down 63 call centers, 46 of which voluntarily ceased operations or were shut down, and 160 transformed into online gambling centers, obtaining legal operating licenses. Another 37 call centers are still undergoing inspection and rectification, with 88% having completed investigations and operating in compliance.
So far, the Lao government has successfully transferred the involved telecommunications fraud personnel to the Chinese police nine times, with a total of 1,394 people transferred.
Additionally, the police confiscated 5,430 mobile phones, 1,368 desktop computers, 92 laptops, 2 iPads, 14 WiFi routers, and other scamming tools. Moreover, the Vietnamese police received two transfers, totaling 159 suspects, and confiscated 298 mobile phones and 20 computers.
The Lao Ministry of Public Security also announced that a total of 138 scamming personnel have been deported to other countries, including 131 women. Related equipment such as desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, and satellite receivers were also seized.
Major General Kan Jin emphasized the need to further strengthen management and law enforcement to ensure the maintenance of legal order, especially in the approval and management of online games and virtual platforms.
He pointed out that party members, officials, and police must undergo political and ideological education to better implement policies. To further enhance the effectiveness of the crackdown, he also suggested improving leadership styles and working methods to ensure more effective government actions.
The Lao government stated that it will continue to coordinate with various levels of government departments and international organizations to further develop detailed plans to address the issue of telecommunications fraud, ensuring comprehensive governance of the Golden Triangle Economic Zone.
