6-1-2024 (YANGON) Online scam syndicates near the Chinese border in northern Shan State, allegedly generating $14 billion annually and shielded by the Myanmar military, have been exposed by Peng Deren, the leader of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). In a New Year’s message, Peng disclosed that four influential families, protected by the junta, orchestrated hundreds of scams, employing up to 100,000 individuals in the town of Laukkai. The Three Brotherhood Alliance, an ethnic army coalition, recently seized control of Laukkai, previously the epicenter of the scams.
The junta is accused of rescuing the crime syndicate leaders using helicopters during the Alliance’s attack. The four families identified by Peng include the Bai, Wei, and two Liu clans, led by Bai Suocheng, Wei San, Liu Guoxi, and Liu Zhengxiang, respectively. Allegedly engaged in large-scale drug production and cybercrime since 2009, they transformed Kokang into a cybercrime hub.
Operation 1027, launched by the Brotherhood Alliance on Oct 27, aimed to expel junta forces from northern Shan State and eliminate online scams. The alleged rescue of syndicate leaders prompted denials from pro-junta newspapers, dismissing the claim as misinformation.
Lt Gen Jakkapong Janpengpen of the Royal Thai Army met Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing on Dec 27, expressing concerns about the potential relocation of online scam syndicates to the Myanmar-Thai border. The Liu and Bai clans reportedly operate casinos and scam facilities near Myawaddy in Karen State and in Cambodia. Notorious hubs for cybercrime, online gambling, and human trafficking, such as KK Park and Shwe Kokko, continue to operate with junta protection, according to Peng.
