A
What happened
Myanmar's military announced the arrest of nearly 1,600 foreign nationals during a crackdown on internet scams in the Shwe Kokko area, a known hub for fraudulent activities. The raids occurred from November 18 to 22 and resulted in the seizure of nearly 3,000 computers, over 21,000 mobile phones, and other equipment used in scams. This operation is seen as a response to pressure from China, which has been increasingly frustrated with scams targeting its citizens. The rise of these fraud factories has been linked to the civil unrest following the 2021 coup, with many workers trafficked into the region. Reports indicate that victims in Southeast and East Asia lost up to $37 billion to scams in 2023, suggesting a much larger global issue.
★
Key insights
-
1
Significant arrests made
Nearly 1,600 foreign nationals were arrested in a five-day operation.
-
2
Equipment seized
Authorities confiscated thousands of devices used for online fraud.
-
3
Pressure from China
The crackdown was influenced by China's concerns over scams targeting its citizens.
-
4
Widespread fraud issue
Scams in Southeast Asia resulted in losses of up to $37 billion in 2023.
Takeaways
The crackdown on internet scams in Myanmar reflects both internal and external pressures, highlighting the significant impact of fraud on regional stability and international relations.