Myanmar’s military junta announced a significant crackdown on Tuesday, reporting the deportation of more than 50,000 people suspected of involvement in online scam operations since October 2023. This unprecedented move, accompanied by a rare appeal to neighboring countries for cooperative intervention, sheds light on the growing menace of cross-border scam syndicates.
In a detailed editorial published in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar, the junta outlined the extent of the operations for the first time. These scams, often based in border compounds, are staffed by foreign workers, many of whom are trafficked and coerced into fraudulent activities. Analysts estimate the scam industry to be worth billions of dollars annually, feeding on unsuspecting victims worldwide.
The editorial revealed that over 55,000 foreign nationals have been deported since the operation began, with more than 53,000 sent back to China. Vietnam accounted for the second-largest group, with over 1,000 individuals, followed by Thailand with over 600. The remainder hailed from approximately 25 other countries.
The individuals targeted by the junta are described as “fugitive offenders” who entered Myanmar illegally. The editorial emphasized that these are not ordinary civilians but key players in a sophisticated network of online scams and gambling operations.
Myanmar’s northern border, particularly its proximity to China, has historically been a hub for such activities. Scam centers, often managed by militias with ties to the junta, exploited the region’s lawlessness. However, a major offensive by an alliance of ethnic rebel groups has disrupted many of these operations, forcing scam syndicates to relocate further south, closer to the border with Thailand.
In a rare call for international collaboration, the junta urged neighboring countries to participate in combating these scams. Myanmar’s state media highlighted agreements with Thai military officials to jointly address the problem. However, responses from Thai and Chinese authorities remain pending.
The editorial’s call for action underscores the cross-border nature of these scams and the need for a coordinated regional response. Myanmar’s appeal marks a shift in its usual insular approach, reflecting the scale and impact of the crisis.
Bryony Lau, Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch, described the scam compounds as one of the most pressing crises in Southeast Asia. Human trafficking, forced labor, and severe human rights abuses are rampant within these compounds. Workers are often lured with promises of legitimate employment, only to find themselves trapped in exploitative conditions.
“The situation demands urgent regional cooperation to dismantle these networks and provide support for victims,” Lau emphasized. The call to action resonates as the broader region grapples with the humanitarian implications of these operations.
Myanmar has been mired in political and social turmoil since the military coup in 2021, which ousted democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta’s grip on power has led to widespread unrest, with ethnic conflicts exacerbating the instability.
The crackdown on online scams appears to be part of the junta’s broader strategy to assert control and project a semblance of law and order. However, critics argue that the root causes of the scams – including corruption, weak governance, and economic desperation – remain unaddressed.
The northern border regions of Myanmar have long been contested territories. Ethnic militias, some aligned with the junta, have historically controlled these areas, creating an environment ripe for illicit activities. The recent offensive by ethnic rebels has displaced many scam operations, pushing them further into Thailand’s border regions.
Local Myanmar media report that scam operators have rapidly adapted, establishing new bases in the south. This migration poses fresh challenges for regional authorities, who must now contend with an evolving threat.
As Myanmar’s junta calls for regional cooperation, the future of these operations remains uncertain. The sheer scale of the deportations underscores the enormity of the problem, but also highlights the complexity of dismantling entrenched networks.
While the deportations mark a significant step, they also raise questions about the treatment of those involved. Many of the deported individuals are victims of trafficking, forced into a life of crime under duress. Their fate upon return to their home countries remains a concern for human rights advocates.
