21-1-2025 (YANGON) A landmark six-nation law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of more than 70,000 suspects in one of Southeast Asia’s largest crackdowns on telecommunications fraud and weapons smuggling, officials revealed Tuesday.
The Lancang-Mekong Law Enforcement Cooperation Centre disclosed the results of Operation “Seagull” during a summary meeting in Kunming, detailing how law enforcement agencies from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam collaborated in the sweeping operation that ran from August to December 2024.
The joint taskforce successfully resolved more than 160 cases, primarily involving telecommunications fraud, whilst rescuing over 160 victims from criminal enterprises operating across the region’s borders. The operation also targeted gun and ammunition smuggling networks operating in the Mekong region.
High-ranking officials from participating nations’ security ministries attended the conference, including representatives from Cambodia’s Interior Ministry, China’s Ministry of Public Security, and their counterparts from Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The summit also welcomed observers from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and ASEAN Police Organisation.
Delegates praised the Centre’s methodical approach to coordinating the multi-national operation, noting how the pooling of resources and intelligence created an effective deterrent against cross-border criminal activities. The Centre’s role as a regional law enforcement hub was deemed “irreplaceable” in maintaining security across the Mekong region.
Looking ahead, officials announced plans to launch a second phase of Operation “Seagull” later this year. The upcoming operation will maintain its focus on dismantling telecommunications fraud networks whilst placing special emphasis on locating and rescuing victims trapped in criminal schemes across different countries.
“Our primary objective remains the protection of our citizens’ lives and property,” a spokesperson said, underlining the Centre’s commitment to regional stability and security through coordinated law enforcement efforts.
The success of Operation “Seagull” marks a significant milestone in cross-border cooperation among Mekong nations, demonstrating their collective resolve to combat sophisticated criminal networks operating in Southeast Asia.
