KNU raid on DKBA-controlled area uncovers 2,000 scam workers, 733 foreign nationals arrested

Mizzima

The Karen National Union (KNU) has announced that its forces raided Min Let Pan in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, an area under the control of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and discovered around 2,000 scam-centre workers, arresting 733 foreign nationals. The KNU released the statement on 25 November.

The organization also urged the international community to urgently cooperate in combating online scam operations, which it described as a growing transnational criminal threat.

According to the KNU, the detainees include citizens of Thailand, China, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt, Laos, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. A total of 396 individuals were arrested on 23 November and another 345 on 24 November, bringing the total to 733 including 87 women and 645 men.

Among those detained on the second day alone, 337 were Chinese nationals.

The KNU stated that 28 Thai citizens and 36 Chinese citizens were handed over to Thai authorities on the same days they were arrested.

During the operation, KNU troops discovered approximately 20 concrete buildings, including two four-storey structures, equipped with large numbers of computers and electrical devices used for scam activities. They also found rows of tiny 4×6-foot rooms containing only a single chair believed to be torture cells. Some scam-centre workers were found to be armed, and further investigations are ongoing.

The KNU is currently interrogating scam-centre managers, human traffickers, and mid-level operators known as “Little Bosses.” The statement noted that some attempted to bribe KNU personnel in an effort to escape without cooperating.

The raid took place on 21 November, when Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) troops entered the DKBA-controlled area after more than 230 DKBA soldiers surrendered. This allowed KNU forces to search the compound thoroughly.

According to the KNU, the entire site was overseen by DKBA Colonel Naing Lwin under the command of DKBA leader Major-General Sai Kyaw Hla.

The KNU called on international governments and organizations to work collaboratively to dismantle cross-border scam networks, protect victims, and conduct comprehensive investigations. It pledged to continue cracking down on criminal activities along the border and to uphold the rule of law.