The dismantling of online scam centres by Myanmar’s military was a sham
After the large-scale operation at KK Park, in the Myawaddy area on the border with Thailand, around a thousand people forced to work in illegal activities fled across the border. Some local sources expressed scepticism, noting that the operation was linked to the threat of sanctions expressed at the ASEAN summit. The criminal networks remain entrenched and enjoy political cover.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – Last week, Myanmar’s military carried out a high-profile operation against cyber scam centres located at KK Park on the Myanmar-Thailand border, near Myawaddy, opposite the Thai city of Mae Sot, Tak province.
The operation followed increased international pressure, including from US President Donald Trump, who spoke about the matter at the ASEAN Summit, criticising Myanmar's military junta for facilitating cross-border drug trafficking and cyber scams.
On 24 October, Myanmar troops blew up buildings used for cyber scams inside KK Park, with explosions heard in Thailand, producing a thick blanket of smoke in the area.
The raids officially sought to dismantle large-scale cybercrime operations that defraud victims worldwide, carried out by “new slaves” recruited through human trafficking.
According to various reports, these activities are backed by Chinese criminal networks and local militias allied with the Myanmar government.
In the chaos that followed the operation, over a thousand people, mostly foreigners from India, China, and Vietnam, fled the complex into Thailand.
Thai border authorities in Mae Sot responded by closing access to vans arriving from Myanmar and tightening border controls to manage the influx.
Approximately 1,200 people were screened for human trafficking or other crimes; many of them are believed to have been coerced to work for scam gangs.
Although the Myanmar military claims to have effectively dismantled the criminal operations, local observers and victims have called the raid "mostly a sham" aimed at appeasing international criticism.
Scepticism stems in particular from the fact that other cyber scam centres, such as the one in Shwe Kutkku, near the border, remain fully operational.
Doubts have increased with rumours that the military action was motivated by fears of new US sanctions and threats Trump made during the ASEAN summit of 26-27 October.
“The Myanmar army’s recent raids appear orchestrated more for show – to demonstrate action to Trump and the international community – than to genuinely eradicate these deep-rooted scam networks,” said Benedict, a young Karenni student pursuing a master's degree at Assumption University in Bangkok, speaking to AsiaNews. “The longstanding criminal syndicates continue under protection in nearby regions controlled by the BGF,”[*] he added.
Cyber-scam centres along the Thai-Myanmar border have become a persistent challenge to regional security. These sites exploit trafficked or coerced workers to run sophisticated scams worth billions of dollars.
International efforts – including US sanctions against companies and individuals involved – are attempting to disrupt funding flows, but a full-scale crackdown remains difficult due to political complexities and the control exercised by local militias in the region.
The Thai government has reaffirmed its commitment to border security and humanitarian assistance, but recent incursions have highlighted the persistent challenge posed by cross-border criminal networks exploiting Myanmar's political instability.
The situation remains closely monitored as the region braces for further developments.
[*] Border Guard Forces of Myanmar Army.
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