By 2025, Myanmar has emerged as the primary center for online scams worldwide, with the situation growing to a previously uncommon level of complexity and scope. These scam centers, which are mostly found along the border between Thailand and Myanmar, have developed into highly skilled criminal operations that take advantage of both the workers who are confined in their compounds and victims all over the world. In order to counter this escalating threat, regional powers have stepped up their coordinated efforts in response to the situation, which has garnered international attention.
Scam Overview
| Scam Type | Romance scams, investment fraud, crypto fraud, money laundering, illegal gambling, sextortion and cold calling |
|---|---|
| Target(s) | Elderly individuals, U.S residents and global victims |
| Time Period | Ongoing for several years |
| Financial Impact | US$688.42 billion over the last 12 months (GASA) |
The online scam operations in Myanmar have been ongoing for several years, with major developments and crackdowns occurring in recent times:
- The scam centers have been operating since at least 2020, as evidenced by the account of Li Minghao, who was lured into a scam operation in northern Myanmar that year.
- The issue gained increased attention and prompted more decisive action in late 2023 when China initiated a crackdown on scam centers in Myanmar's northern Shan state.
- In early February 2025, Thailand cut off electricity supplies to several areas in Myanmar that housed scam centers, marking an escalation in efforts to combat these operations.
- As of February 2025, coordinated efforts between Thailand, China, and Myanmar to shut down these scam centers and repatriate victims have intensified.
- On February 13, 2025, Thailand's army announced plans to repatriate approximately 260 people rescued from Myanmar's online scam centers.
- Most recently, on February 20, 2025, an airlift operation began to transport over 1,000 Chinese citizens who had been employed at online fraud centers in eastern Myanmar.
Geographic Focus
The primary hub for these scam operations is the Myawaddy area in Myanmar's Karen State, directly opposite Thailand's Mae Sot border town. This region has become notorious for hosting numerous illicit developments run by Chinese crime gangs. The United States Institute of Peace estimates that more than a dozen similar illegal developments sprang up in Myawaddy around the same time as the Dongmei Zone, a key area in the scam operations.
These border regions are ideal for such operations due to their relative lawlessness and the protection provided by local ethnic armed groups. The Karen Border Guard Force, which collaborates with Myanmar's military regime, has been implicated in facilitating these scam centers.
Operational Structure
The scam centers operate like small towns, featuring restaurants, grocery stores, and even daycare facilities. They are highly organized, with different teams responsible for various aspects of the operation:
- Data Acquisition: Teams purchase personal data in bulk to identify potential victims.
- Initial Contact: Workers send out hundreds of unsolicited friend requests and messages to targets on platforms like WeChat.
- Relationship Building: Scammers follow pre-written scripts to establish trust with victims over several weeks.
- Financial Exploitation: Victims are gradually convinced to invest in fake investment schemes or send money for other fraudulent reasons.
Worker Exploitation
Many of the individuals working in these scam centers are themselves victims of human trafficking. They come from various countries, including China, Thailand, Vietnam, and nations in Africa. These workers often face dire conditions:
- Forced Labor: Many are coerced into working long hours under threats of violence.
- Debt Bondage: Some workers are told they must pay off exorbitant "fees" before they can leave.
- Physical Abuse: Reports of torture and other forms of violence are common.
- Restricted Freedom: Workers are often confined to the compounds and have their passports confiscated.
Recent Developments and Crackdowns
In early 2025, there has been a major escalation in efforts to combat these scam operations:
The Thai government, under Prime Ministeretongarn Shinawatra, has taken several steps to address the issue:
- Cutting off electricity, internet, and gas supplies to several areas in Myanmar along the border with northern Thailand.
- Tightening banking and visa regulations to deter scam operators from using Thailand as a transit hub.
- Coordinating with China and Myanmar to facilitate the repatriation of rescued worker.
China has been actively involved in combating these scam centers:
- In late 2023, China initiated a crackdown on scam centers in Myanmar's northern Shan state.
- Chinese security officials have visited the Thai-Myanmar border to coordinate efforts.
- As of February 2025, an airlift operation began to transport over 1,000 Chinese citizens rescued from online fraud centers in eastern Myanmar.
Several rescue operations have been carried out:
- In February 2025, approximately 260 individuals from 20 different nations were rescued and entered Thailand after reportedly being freed from scam facilities.
- The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, a Myanmar insurgent group, has been involved in raiding scam centers and handing over victims to Thai authorities.
Thailand, China, and Myanmar are collaborating to dismantle scam operations located along the border.
Challenges in Combating Scam Centers
Despite recent efforts, several factors make it challenging to completely eradicate these scam operations:
- Political Instability: The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has created power vacuums that criminal organizations exploit.
- Corruption: There are reports of military, police, local officials, and ethnic armed organizations being complicit in the scam centers.
- Economic Incentives: The scam operations generate billions of dollars annually, providing strong financial motivation for their continuation.
- Adaptability: When faced with crackdowns, these criminal networks have shown the ability to relocate and adapt their operations.
- Cross-Border Nature: The involvement of multiple countries complicates law enforcement efforts and jurisdictional issues.
Future Outlook
As of early 2025, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to combat the scam centers and repatriate victims. However, the scale and complexity of the problem suggest that it will require sustained, coordinated international efforts to effectively address:
- Continued Cooperation: Thailand, China, and Myanmar will likely need to maintain and expand their joint efforts to combat these criminal networks.
- Addressing Root Causes: Tackling issues such as poverty, political instability, and corruption in the region will be crucial for long-term success.
- Victim Support: Developing comprehensive programs to support and reintegrate rescued workers will be essential.
- Technological Solutions: Improving cybersecurity measures and developing better ways to detect and prevent online fraud will be critical.
- Public Awareness: Increasing global awareness about these scams could help reduce the number of potential victims.
.jpeg)
