21-11-2023 (YANGON) Myanmar authorities have transferred 31,000 suspects involved in telecom fraud to China as part of a joint crackdown on online scams that commenced in September, according to Chinese authorities. The suspects include 63 “financiers” and leaders of crime syndicates responsible for defrauding Chinese citizens of substantial sums of money, as reported by the Ministry of Public Security.
The crackdown, which spanned both nations, has yielded significant results, with Chinese authorities emphasizing the achievement of notable outcomes in their battle against telecom fraud. The move comes in response to the escalating issue of telecom scams targeting Chinese citizens originating from over 1,000 scam centers in Myanmar, which shares a border with southwest China.
Chinese law enforcement initiated the crackdown in September, and this month, police launched rapid operations against crime gangs operating in Myanmar. More than 100,000 individuals are reportedly involved in telecom fraud daily in Myanmar, contributing to the prevalence of scam centers in the region.
The leader of a Myanmar-based gang involved in telecom fraud took his own life last week while evading Myanmar authorities. Subsequently, three members of the gang were handed over to Chinese police.
The surge in telecom scams in Myanmar targeting Chinese citizens prompted a response from Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong, who visited Myanmar earlier this month. During his visit, he expressed China’s readiness to collaborate with Myanmar in addressing cross-border crime, including online gambling. Nong affirmed China’s support for Myanmar in maintaining stability along their common border, especially as Myanmar’s ruling military contends with insurgent attacks in the borderlands.
Myanmar’s military junta is currently facing challenges on multiple fronts, with ethnic minority insurgent groups forming alliances with pro-democracy fighters to oppose the junta’s rule. Amid the ongoing unrest, China has called for peace and emphasized its constructive role in promoting peace talks and urging relevant parties to prioritize the interests of the people.
❗️#Exclusive ???????? :
Numerous sources state that #Myanmar has once again deported thousands of suspected Chinese telecom fraudsters back to China.
In the video Chinese authorities in Hangzhou East Railway Station can be seen escorting the telecom fraudsters from northern Myanmar.… pic.twitter.com/EvVQAh3qhZ
— OsintTV ???? (@OsintTV) November 21, 2023
