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.
Residents said the sudden exodus began after reports spread in the evening that junta troops had entered Shwe Kokko Myaing under BGF escort.
“BGF vehicles entered some of the sites, and the buildings went dark. Then we saw cars speeding out, seemingly carrying the Chinese nationals. We don’t know where they were taken. They are relocating them,” a motorcycle taxi driver said.
Some foreigners, as well as Myanmar citizens, are reportedly still trapped inside the scam compounds, where security teams have locked the doors.
“They won’t let us go outside. All the doors are locked. There are no more Chinese inside only us, Myanmar people, and some other foreigners. The building lights are off, and we’re not allowed to use phones. I think they freed the Chinese and are keeping us as hostages,” a 22-year-old Myanmar woman inside one of the buildings told Mizzima.
The latest developments follow mounting international pressure. On 12 November, the US State Department announced the formation of a Scam Centre Strike Force targeting online scam hubs across Southeast Asia, including in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
On 14 November, China led a six-nation ministerial meeting involving Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, during which all parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in cracking down on scam networks.
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, during a visit to Hpa-An on 15 November, also declared the suppression of online scam syndicates a national priority.
