Myanmar arrests 1,553 foreign nationals in telecom fraud crackdown

Myanmar authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal online operations, detaining 273 foreign nationals in Myawaddy township as part of efforts to combat telecom fraud and human trafficking. This action coincides with a broader regional initiative involving officials from China, Myanmar, and Thailand, aimed at addressing the surge of scam compounds along the border. Since the end of January, a total of 1,553 foreign nationals have been arrested for illegally entering Myanmar, with many linked to illicit activities. The recent detentions were prompted by rising scrutiny following the rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was lured to Thailand and subsequently trafficked. The Myanmar military, which has been in power since a coup in 2021, continues to face challenges from armed groups controlling parts of the country, complicating law enforcement efforts in these border areas. Officials are committed to eradicating scam centers and human trafficking in collaboration with neighboring countries.