Over 13,500 illegal foreigners deported in Myawady telecom fraud crackdown

THE Government of Myanmar is systematically identifying, investigating and deporting for- eign nationals who entered and stayed illegally in border are- as and were involved in crimi- nal activities, including online gambling and online fraud op- erations, in accordance with ex- isting laws and procedures, and transferring them to the relevant countries.

During these deportation operations, authorities recently identified and detained 27 Chinese national who had illegally entered a site near Myawady in Kayin State through unlawful routes after transiting through Thailand and certain neighbouring countries. The individual was subsequently investigated for deportation.

From 30 January 2025 to 24 May 2026, a total of 14,685 foreign nationals who had illegally entered Myawady Township were detained. Investigations into all detainees have been completed, and among them, 13,521 individ- uals have been systematically deported to their respective countries via Thailand in accordance with legal procedures.

Of the remaining 1,164 foreign nationals awaiting transfer, 662 have been prosecuted under Section 3(1)/13(1) of Myanmar’s Immigration (Emergency Pro- visions) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Sub- stances Law. The remaining 502 foreign nationals are ready to be transferred to the relevant countries and are being properly accommodated and cared for.

The Government is actively cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries as well as international organizations to identify arrest and take effec- tive legal action against those involved in online scam centre operations, including foreign masterminds behind such ac- tivities. In addition, effective coordination is being carried out to ensure the swift repatriation of foreign nationals facing hardship for various reasons, including victims of human trafficking, to their respective countries, according to reports.

MNA/KZL

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