Thailand, Myanmar, and China ramp up efforts to combat one of the largest international scam syndicates, with joint operations leading to arrests, rescues, and the discovery of criminal networks using solar power and satellite internet to evade authorities.
BY PC Bureau
China has escalated efforts to dismantle international scam networks operating along the Thai-Myanmar border by dispatching Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi to the region. Liu, a seasoned law enforcement official, arrived at Don Mueang Airport on Sunday alongside a delegation of 26 Chinese officials, according to the Bangkok Post.
The delegation traveled to Mae Sot district in Thailand’s Tak province before crossing into Myawaddy, Myanmar, a key hub for scam operations. Liu’s primary mission is to oversee the repatriation of approximately 600 Chinese nationals who were recently rescued from scam syndicates operating in Myawaddy. A government source confirmed that these individuals would be flown back to China on chartered flights.
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In a sweeping crackdown, Myanmar authorities reported that a joint security force had rescued 731 people from eight countries—China, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Ethiopia. Authorities are currently screening the individuals to determine whether they were victims of human trafficking or willingly involved in fraudulent call center schemes.
Since the raids began on Tuesday, a total of 469 arrests have been made, including 69 detentions on the first day, followed by 200 on Friday, and additional arrests on Saturday.
China’s Assistant Minister for Public Security, Liu Zhongyi, and his delegation are in Myawaddy township of Myanmar this afternoon, for talks with the country’s interior ministry about the repatriation via Thailand of about 500 Chinese nationals working in scam call centres.… pic.twitter.com/8KfKOYrbTK
— Thai PBS World (@ThaiPBSWorld) February 16, 2025
Thai lawmaker Rangsiman Rome, chairman of the House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy, and Reform, visited Mae Sot on Sunday to discuss the situation with the Naresuan military taskforce, which is responsible for securing Thailand’s 993-kilometer border with Myanmar.
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Rangsiman condemned the scam syndicates for severely impacting Thailand’s economy and tourism, labeling them as part of one of the world’s largest criminal networks.
“These call center scam gangs have expanded at an alarming rate and are causing serious damage to Thailand’s economy and tourism. This is a battle against one of the most powerful crime syndicates in the world,” Rangsiman stated.
Myanmar's Karen BGF militia says it's going to deport 500 alleged scam centre workers per day from notorious Shwe Kokko, Thai media says local border security is preparing to receive them. Story with @AFP https://t.co/kV6g9GTNJu
— Sally Jensen Cusicahua (@sljnsn) February 16, 2025
In response to Thailand’s decision to cut off electricity, fuel, and internet access to areas controlled by the syndicates, he noted that the gangs have adapted by using solar power and satellite internet connections.
Rangsiman also highlighted the role of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), an ally of Myanmar’s junta, in controlling Myawaddy and the infamous scam hub of Shwe Kokko. According to his intelligence, several key financiers of these syndicates, who were recently arrested in Myawaddy, have since fled to Hpa-an, the capital of Kayin (Karen) State.
On Saturday, the BGF announced plans to deport 10,000 individuals linked to cyber scams from Myanmar to Thailand as part of its crackdown on illicit operations. Myanmar’s border regions have become notorious for scam operations, often run by trafficked foreign nationals forced into fraudulent activities. Analysts estimate that this industry generates billions of dollars globally.
