Myanmar Military Arrests 1,600 In Big Crackdown On Scam Hubs Near Thailand

Myanmar’s military announced a large crackdown on online scam hubs along its border with Thailand. Between November 18 and 22, authorities arrested nearly 1,600 foreign nationals at the Shwe Kokko area, known for hosting fraud and illegal gambling operations. This crackdown follows ongoing pressure from China, a key backer of Myanmar’s military, to address the rising internet scams affecting its citizens.

The military reported seizing thousands of devices during the raids, including nearly 2,900 computers, over 21,000 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, and many routers. Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, had recently disabled more than 2,500 of its devices linked to scam operations in the region.

The Shwe Kokko scam hubs are massive compounds staffed by thousands, including people trafficked from other countries. These operations mainly run romance and business scams that cause billions of dollars in losses every year. The military claims the raids aim to dismantle these fraud networks, but some experts see the crackdown as a show to satisfy international and Chinese demands while protecting the military’s financial interests.

Video footage showed authorities destroying hundreds of computer monitors and mobile phones as evidence. Despite these efforts, analysts warn that Myanmar's border areas remain loosely governed, allowing scam operations to thrive. The ongoing civil war since the 2021 coup has further destabilized the region, making it a hotspot for such illegal activities.

China is increasingly concerned as many victims and scammers originate there, putting pressure on Myanmar’s military to act. This crackdown highlights the complex challenges of tackling large-scale cybercrime within fragile political and social conditions, balancing local control, international pressure, and economic interests. The situation remains fluid as Myanmar’s military continues efforts to control the online scam problem amid ongoing instability.