Major Operation Targets Last Scam Stronghold Near Thai Border
The Myanmar military, in collaboration with the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), has launched a decisive operation against what is considered the last major hub of online scam operations near the Thai-Myanmar border: the Shwe Kokko complex.
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| BGF units deployed to Shwe Kokko area on November 18. Photo: Reporters |
On November 17, the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) announced the initiation of a "final battle" against the notorious scam centers within the Myawaddy township of Karen State, an area strategically located near the Thai border. The primary focus of this campaign is Shwe Kokko, a sprawling development known for housing numerous buildings exploited by sophisticated online fraud rings, reminiscent of the recently dismantled KK Park.
BGF Vows Transparency and Complete Eradication
A BGF spokesperson emphasized the gravity of the mission to Thai news outlet Reporters, stating:
"The BGF is determined to stamp out online fraud and completely terminate illegal activities there within the next few days. The Shwe Kokko operation will be the final battle. This operation will be transparent to the entire world, demonstrating our commitment."
The group articulated its motivation as a necessity to safeguard the image of Karen State, Myanmar, and its people, as well as the reputation of the BGF's leadership. Their ultimate goal is to end the state of chaos and restore a clean business environment in the area.
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| A group of people working at Shwe Kokko were arrested by the BGF and the Myanmar military on November 18. Photo: Reporters |
Initial Sweep and Multinational Arrests
Just one day after the declaration, the BGF, working alongside the Myanmar military, moved into the Shwe Kokko complex. The initial sweep resulted in the arrest of over 300 foreign nationals, primarily Chinese citizens. Authorities also seized a significant amount of equipment, including computers, mobile phones, and various devices used to facilitate the lucrative cyber-scam operations.
Additionally, approximately 100 BGF members were deployed along the Moei River, which marks the border with Thailand, setting up multiple checkpoints. This measure was taken to ensure security and prevent anyone fleeing the complex from crossing illegally into Thai territory.
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| BGF members and Myanmar military carry weapons to search a fraud center in Shwe Kokko on November 18. Photo: Reporters |
While the BGF estimates the complex housed between 1,000 to 2,000 individuals, Myanmar news outlet Irrawaddy reported that a large number of workers had already fled Shwe Kokko on November 17, immediately following the BGF's public announcement of the impending operation.
A Persistent Problem
This marks the BGF's second major crackdown on criminal activities in Shwe Kokko within the past year. During the previous operation in February and March, over 4,000 individuals, mostly Chinese nationals, were arrested. Despite this, the scam facilities at Shwe Kokko managed to resume operations mere months later, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of the problem.
The renewed vigor of the campaign follows a firm statement from Myanmar's leader, Min Aung Hlaing, on November 15, who declared the eradication of scam centers along the Myanmar-Thai border a "national duty."
The government has also been systematically demolishing nearly 150 buildings at the infamous KK Park over the past month, following a mid-October raid that saw approximately 1,500 people escape into Thailand.
The Wider Context of Global Cyber-Scams
These scam centers have proliferated in Myanmar's loosely controlled border regions. Many foreign workers are lured into the compounds through "pig-butchering" romance scams or deceptive job postings, though some willingly enter the employment.
According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the online scam industry has exploded across Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. The total amount of money swindled from victims in 2023 alone is estimated to have reached a staggering $37 billion USD. The current high-profile military-BGF operation is seen as a crucial step toward dismantling a transnational criminal enterprise worth billions.