Online scam syndicate members flee Shwe Kokko Myaing ahead of crackdown on Myanmar border

Mizzima

Members of online scam syndicates in Shwe Kokko Myaing, a territory under the control of the Karen Border Guard Force / Karen National Army (BGF/KNA), fled overnight after the group announced on 17 November that it had launched a special operation targeting “Kyar Phyant” scam networks, according to local residents.

Most of those who escaped are believed to be Chinese nationals, and shop signboards in Chinese were quickly covered or removed, locals said.

“There was a lot of commotion in Sites 4 and 5, around the Hpone Htoo area, and at the new sites near the park. I saw Chinese people running away with their bags. Most of them were Chinese. We don’t know where they went,” a witness told Mizzima.

Taxi drivers have been posting frequent advertisements in the Shwe Kokko Facebook group offering transport services, and several reportedly picked up passengers in front of buildings known to house online scam operations.