Myanmar authorities have detained 200 foreign nationals involved in illegal online gambling and fraud operations in Myawady-Shwe Kokko, Mae Htaw Tha Lay, and KK Park areas of Kayin State, Bangkok-based , quoting government sources.
Crackdown on illegal online activities
The crackdown carried out on 28 February 2025, is part of Myanmar’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities involving foreign nationals who entered the country through unauthorised border crossings, primarily from Thailand. The government is coordinating with international agencies to address the rising concerns of cyber fraud and illicit online gambling operations in the region.
Repatriation process underway
According to the report, the detained individuals’ personal information and records are being documented by departmental teams to facilitate their repatriation to their respective countries.
Over 3,000 foreign nationals detained
Authorities reported that between 30 January and 28 February, a total of 3,125 foreign nationals who entered Myanmar illegally were identified and detained. Among them, 757 have already been transferred to their home countries through legal procedures via Thailand. The remaining 2,368 detainees are in the process of being repatriated.
The majority of detainees are Chinese nationals
The detainees include citizens from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nepal, Thailand, Rwanda, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Ghana, and Chinese Taipei, with a significant majority being Chinese nationals. Myanmar has ramped up its enforcement against illegal gambling syndicates and fraudulent activities, often linked to transnational organised crime.
