Recently, the telecom fraud park in Myawaddy, Myanmar, has experienced a major shake-up! With the involvement of China's Ministry of Public Security, the crackdown on telecom fraud has intensified, and these "dens of iniquity" in Myanmar have started to become as chaotic as ants on a hot pan...
Major arrests in Myawaddy, with China, Myanmar, and Thailand joining forces!
On February 17, Myanmar authorities launched a raid in Myawaddy, detaining 273 foreign nationals who had entered the country illegally. Most of these individuals are directly related to telecom fraud and online gambling. It is worth noting that since January 30, Myanmar has arrested 1,303 people, indicating a large-scale operation.
Meanwhile, on February 14, high-level meetings between China and Myanmar focused on discussions about combating online fraud and gambling in the Kayin State's Myawaddy area, taking strong measures against online fraud, extraditing and prosecuting Chinese citizens, and deporting illegal foreign entrants.
According to a statement by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Puttham, China, Myanmar, and Thailand have reached a clear division of labor in combating border telecom fraud:
--Thailand is responsible for cutting off electricity, fuel, and internet in the border areas;
--Myanmar cooperates in combating 36 criminal gangs within its territory;
--China is responsible for repatriating rescued citizens and covering related costs
It is noteworthy that the Myanmar military government has been exceptionally resolute in this operation. The BGF has been continuously conducting sweeps and arrests since February 14, including in the KK Park, Myawaddy, and Shuigou Valley areas, involving not only Chinese but also Indians and Africans. After arrests, the Myanmar police will record information, preparing to transfer about 1,000 foreign nationals rescued from the fraud parks.
BGF's Su Chi stated that the BGF is determined to complete the sweep within this month, but during the operation, it was found that more than 2,000 people had gathered, with the first batch sent back on the 20th being all Chinese, with no mention of Filipinos or Indonesians.
On February 16, Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi led a team to Mae Sot County, Tak, to inspect facilities for receiving repatriated Chinese citizens and to discuss with Myanmar officials.
With such high-profile appearances, it also means that China is openly participating in the crackdown. This operation is serious, as confirmed by the Thai Deputy Prime Minister's statement about China's role in the tri-nation joint operation.
Indeed, on February 18, the Chinese Deputy Minister visited the border again, followed by news that the Bangladesh Border Guard and the Kashmir Autonomous Government Army are planning to release over 2,000 people trafficked in the border area.
Before Myanmar and China took action, in this crackdown, the Thai government was the first to take drastic measures. It directly cut off some of the electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to the fraud parks. This move is quite harsh, as these fraud groups cannot operate without the internet and communication devices. Without electricity and internet, their "business" simply cannot continue.
The masterminds behind the scenes: Who are these fraud groups?
In recent years, telecom fraud groups in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos have developed rapidly, including some criminals who have fled from China.
These individuals take advantage of local government chaos, occupying lawless gray areas, and control a fraud industry chain worth billions of dollars. They force victims to engage in fraud, using "pig butchering plates," virtual currency investments, illegal gambling, and other means to defraud countless people both domestically and internationally.
This operation in Myanmar not only cleared some fraud gangs but also revealed more insider information—such as the armed group "Karen National Army," allied with the military government, also hiding a large number of fraud gangs within its controlled area. It is said that the Karen National Army is cooperating to gradually repatriate 10,000 telecom fraud workers in its jurisdiction.
China's Ministry of Public Security takes action, signaling a real major cleanup?
In this transnational crackdown, China's stance is the most firm. Earlier this year, China was still pushing behind the scenes, merely applying diplomatic pressure. However, with the escalation of the Wang Xing incident, perhaps China's "red line" was crossed, prompting a long-term determination to address crimes such as human trafficking;
Perhaps China had long intended to act on Myawaddy, but the influence of the Wang Xing incident provided a sufficient catalyst (similar to the so-called "shooting of four undercover police officers" incident). In any case, even the Chinese Minister of Public Security has now stepped forward, indicating that this time, it's serious!
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun has clearly stated that China will cooperate with Myanmar and Thailand to completely block the escape routes of telecom fraudsters and eradicate the entire black industry chain of online gambling and fraud.
This incident has also become a hot topic in domestic public opinion, with news about Myanmar's telecom fraud frequently making headlines in major media, indicating that domestic attention is now focused on this issue. Whenever something becomes a "focus" domestically, it often means that real "action" is about to take place, serving as "public opinion groundwork" for subsequent actions.
Given the current situation, Myanmar's fraud groups may indeed be unable to endure much longer! Temporarily handing over people might appease the actions of China and Thailand, but if they cannot provide a satisfactory "account," they may inevitably face a major disaster!
Whether it's the blockade from Thailand, the purge by the Myanmar government, or the full involvement of China, these fraud parks are struggling to survive!
Perhaps soon, the end of the Myawaddy telecom fraud park will truly come...
