BGF and Tatmadaw launch crackdown on online fraud in Shwe Kokko

Joint forces of the Tatmadaw and the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) began clearing operations this morning (18 November) targeting online gambling businesses in the northern part of Myawady’s Shwe Kokko area in Kayin State, according to local sources.

BGF Deputy Commander Major Nyi Maung Zaw said the operations aim to completely eliminate the online gambling businesses and crimes in Shwe Kokko, stressing that the move is not the result of external pressure but a decision made because the timing was appropriate.

“We are not doing this because of pressure. Sometimes things coincide—there are always overlaps. We had already planned to carry this out at this time. But our planned schedule and recent events happened to coincide. It’s not due to pressure. We are doing what we believe must be done. The Special Anti-Gambling Task Force is not new—it is simply the right time for the team to act. We are doing what should be done,” he told media on 17 November.