Myanmar's Crackdown on Scam Centers: An International Plea for Expat Reparation

Myanmar's military regime has urged the international community to repatriate hundreds of foreign nationals caught in a government crackdown on scam centers near the Thai border. Since January, the authorities have detained 13,272 foreigners, with 1,655 still in detention, amid efforts to combat cyberscam operations.

Myanmar's military regime has made an urgent call to the international community, urging nations to reclaim hundreds of foreigners detained during a crackdown on scam centers in Kayin state, near the Thai border.

In recent months, law enforcement agencies targeted major scam hubs, KK Park and Shwe Kokko, on the outskirts of Myawaddy. The raids, aimed at curbing cyberscam operations, resulted in the detention of thousands of foreign nationals. Authorities are facing challenges managing the detained individuals, who hail from various countries and cultural backgrounds.

Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Maj-Gen Aung Kyaw Kyaw, reported the detention of 13,272 foreigners from 47 countries since January, with 1,655 still awaiting deportation. Myanmar is notorious for its cyberscam activities, estimated to generate nearly USD 40 billion annually. Delays in repatriation are primarily attributed to African nations lacking embassies in Myanmar or Thailand. Ethnic minority militias in the Myawaddy area, including the military-backed Border Guard Force, are involved in crackdowns. However, allegations suggest their past protection of scam operators.

(With inputs from agencies.)