5-1-2024 (BEIJING) Chinese state media reported on 5 January that over 40,000 suspects implicated in cyber scams based in Myanmar were extradited to China last year.
Online fraud compounds flourish in Myanmar’s borderlands, often using trafficked citizens from China and elsewhere forced to swindle their own compatriots. Beijing, a key junta ally, has repeatedly pressed Myanmar’s military to crack down on the massive industry analysts estimate is worth billions annually.
“Since August, the number of telecommunications Internet fraud cases has continuously declined, and crackdown and control work has achieved outstanding results,” declared state broadcaster CCTV. “With energetic cooperation of all parties in Myanmar, a total of 41,000 telecommunications Internet fraud suspects were handed over to us in 2023.”
CCTV offered no details on the nationalities of those extradited. It added China’s Ministry of Public Security had “cracked down heavily on fraud-related criminal gangs” assisting overseas groups with services like promotion, money laundering, technology, and illegal migration.
In November, Myanmar’s junta announced the arrest of two cyber scam ringleaders operating in a lawless northern town who were wanted by China. A third suspect took his own life during the arrest. Last year, the UN estimated at least 120,000 people may be trapped in Myanmar scam compounds.
China voiced “strong dissatisfaction” on 4 January that recent fighting between Myanmar’s military and an ethnic minority armed alliance had caused Chinese casualties. The unnamed foreign ministry spokesperson didn’t specify the number killed or wounded when an artillery shell allegedly crossed the border.
Analysts say the ethnic forces’ offensive launched in October across parts of northern Shan state bordering China is the biggest military challenge to the junta since its 2021 takeover. The alliance has seized vital trade towns and hubs, prompting China last month to mediate a “temporary ceasefire” between the sides.
However, clashes continue in Shan state areas, prompting China’s embassy last week to urge citizens to evacuate a border zone over security risks.
