Myanmar's military says it raided a second major online scam hub near the Thai border, detaining 346 foreigners and confiscating nearly 10,000 mobile phones. The operation in Shwe Kokko follows an October raid at KK Park, which led to more than 1,500 people crossing into Thailand and buildings being demolished. The U.N. estimates regional scam centers generate nearly $40 billion a year. Authorities credit local forces and foreign cooperation, but critics warn the networks' masterminds may remain at large.
Myanmar Raids Second Major Online Scam Hub Near Thai Border, 346 Detained
Myanmar's military says it raided a second major online scam hub near the Thai border, detaining 346 foreigners and confiscating nearly 10,000 mobile phones. The operation in Shwe Kokko follows an October raid at KK Park, which led to more than 1,500 people crossing into Thailand and buildings being demolished. The U.N. estimates regional scam centers generate nearly $40 billion a year. Authorities credit local forces and foreign cooperation, but critics warn the networks' masterminds may remain at large.
07:20 PM, 11/19/2025Security
Myanmar's military says it has expanded a crackdown on cross-border online fraud with a raid on a second large scam complex near the Thai border, detaining hundreds of foreign workers and confiscating thousands of mobile phones.
Raid details
Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said the operation in Shwe Kokko resulted in the detention of 346 foreigners and the seizure of nearly 10,000 mobile phones and other equipment. Officials also blocked attempts by some people to flee across the nearby border.
Background and earlier operation
The new raid follows a high-profile operation in mid-October at a site known as KK Park on the outskirts of Myawaddy, a major border trading town. After that raid, more than 1,500 people from roughly two dozen countries reportedly crossed into Thailand, and authorities said the compound's buildings were demolished, including by controlled explosions.
Regional context
Large-scale scam centers based in parts of Southeast Asia have been linked to romance scams, fake investment schemes and other online fraud that target victims worldwide. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that hundreds of industrial-scale scam hubs in the region generate nearly $40 billion in annual profits.
Local actors and disputes
The Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko area is only loosely governed by Myanmar's central authorities and is influenced by several ethnic armed groups. Local Karen forces active in the area include the Border Guard Force, which has a ceasefire arrangement with the military, and the Karen National Union (KNU), which opposes the military government.
The Border Guard Force said it participated in the operation, though it has previously been accused of providing protection to scam networks. The military has also accused the KNU of links to the scam hubs on the basis of reported property deals; both groups deny involvement.
Skepticism and next steps
Critics and social media commentators have questioned whether recent raids are comprehensive or mainly performative, arguing that the masterminds behind the networks may continue to operate elsewhere. Military officials say they are working to eradicate scam activities at their roots and highlighted cooperation with China in tackling the operations.
Implications: the raids signal a tougher public stance against transnational cyberfraud, but questions remain about enforcement, local complicity, and whether prosecutions will reach the networks' leaders.