Myanmar repatriates over 100 Chinese nationals from scam centres in a major operation, marking the third batch of workers to be sent home as part of a crackdown.
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| Myanmar repatriates more than 100 Chinese nationals involved in scam centres, marking the third batch in a crackdown that has already seen hundreds sent home. Image: ChicHue |
Mae Sot, Thailand — February 23, 2025:
Myanmar has repatriated over 100 Chinese nationals from scam centres in an ongoing crackdown against the illegal operations. The third batch of 111 individuals was handed over to Thai authorities on Saturday, with the workers set to return to China. This follows two previous batches sent home on Thursday and Friday.
The scam centres, run by criminal gangs, exploit foreign nationals who are often trafficked and coerced into participating in online fraud operations that target victims worldwide. The crackdown is part of a coordinated effort between Myanmar, Thailand, and China to dismantle these transnational crime networks.
The 111 Chinese nationals were transferred to Thailand through the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Bridge 2 in Mae Sot, a border town in Thailand. Thai media outlets, including The Reporters, captured live footage of the individuals arriving from double-decker buses before boarding Southern China Airlines flights. The first group of 50 departed on a 10:40 am (0340 GMT) flight, with additional flights scheduled for the rest of the day.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai of Thailand described the scam centres as a “complex transnational crime” and highlighted the country’s efforts to stop fuel supplies and electricity to suspected scam hubs in Myanmar. He also ordered Thai authorities to enhance border control measures to prevent these operations from continuing.
Many of the individuals rescued from the scam centres have reported being trapped and forced into fraudulent activities, though the Chinese government has classified them as "suspects" in the operation.
In a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun praised the “thunder-style cooperation” between China, Myanmar, and Thailand in tackling the growing issue of scam centres, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing such crimes.
The crackdown is expected to continue, with hundreds more foreign nationals slated to be repatriated from Myanmar’s scam compounds in the coming weeks.