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Nearly 1,600 Arrested in Myanmar Raids on Massive Border Scam Hub

Myanmar's military says it arrested 1,590 foreign nationals during Nov. 18–22 raids on Shwe Kokko, a large fraud and gambling hub near the Thai border. Authorities reported seizing nearly 2,900 computers, more than 21,000 phones and 101 Starlink receivers. Observers say the crackdown follows pressure from China and may be aimed at placating Beijing while limiting disruption to lucrative criminal networks. A UN estimate places scam losses in Southeast and East Asia at up to $37 billion in 2023.

01:47 PM, 11/23/2025Security
Nearly 1,600 Arrested in Myanmar Raids on Massive Border Scam Hub

Myanmar's military says it detained 1,590 foreign nationals during five days of raids on Shwe Kokko, a sprawling fraud and gambling complex near the Thai border. Authorities reported seizing thousands of devices and equipment used in large-scale internet scams that target victims across the region.

State media said the arrests took place from November 18–22 and that security forces confiscated 2,893 computers, 21,750 mobile phones, 101 Starlink satellite receivers, 21 routers and numerous other industrial items used to run online fraud and gambling operations. Officials also reported that 223 people were detained on one day alone, including about 100 Chinese nationals.

Video from the site showed a steamroller destroying rows of computer monitors beside piles of smashed mobile phones. The destruction appeared designed to demonstrate decisive action against the scam networks.

Scam hubs like Shwe Kokko have proliferated across Myanmar's poorly governed borderlands since the 2021 coup. These compounds often employ large teams running romance, investment and business cons — and, in many cases, rely on trafficked workers. Observers say the illicit industry generates substantial profits and involves complex cross-border networks.

Analysts suggest the recent raids may reflect growing pressure from China, a key backer of Myanmar's military, which has been alarmed by scams that recruit and target its citizens. Some monitors warn that operations can be selective, ostensibly to appease foreign concerns while limiting disruption to entrenched criminal networks that benefit local armed groups.

Following investigative reports that documented extensive use of satellite receivers at scam compounds, SpaceX said it had disabled more than 2,500 Starlink units in the vicinity of suspected scam centers in Myanmar. A United Nations estimate indicates that scam victims in Southeast and East Asia lost up to $37 billion in 2023, with global losses likely considerably higher.

The raids highlight persistent challenges: dismantling well-funded, cross-border fraud operations, protecting trafficked workers, and holding accountable the wider networks that profit from online scams.

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