Junta Forms Anti-Scam Body Amid Growing Evidence of Its Own Complicity

Myanmar’s military regime has announced the creation of a high-level committee to oversee anti-scam efforts, touting its plans to cooperate with international partners even as its own allied militias and Border Guard units remain deeply entangled in the online fraud industry.

The 16-member Central Supervisory Committee on Combating Telecom Fraud and Online Gambling is chaired by Home Affairs Minister Lieutenant General Tun Tun Naung, with Foreign Minister Than Swe and Labor Minister Myint Kyaing serving as deputy chairs. Other members include the deputy military intelligence chief, the police chief and deputy chiefs, the central bank governor, regional military commanders and deputy ministers.

According to the junta, the body will draft anti-scam policies, set up subcommittees, establish standard operating procedures and coordinate with other countries on deporting foreign nationals involved in scams.  Its ultimate responsibility is to eradicate the scam industry.