Telecom scam businesses, known locally as Zhapian gangs, continue to operate in junta-controlled areas of central Shan State, locals reported.

Since April, Zhapian gangs have been operating in the forests between Mong Hsu, Mongnawng, Laihka, Kholam, and Kunhing townships in southern Shan State, under the protection of the junta and allied militias, and their presence has continued to grow.

“Zhapian gangs are present around Monglen and Nawngtawng villages between Mongnawng, Kunhing and Kholam towns. It is not known how many people they operate with. Locals are also not allowed to go to their areas,” said a local woman who requested anonymity for security reasons.

A local politician, who also asked not to be named, said the area where the Zhapian gangs are based falls under junta-controlled territory. He added that authorities are well aware that people buying supplies for the gangs regularly travel to nearby towns, and that the gangs are operating only about 10 miles from Mongnawng, where the junta’s Military Operations Command 2 (MOC-2) headquarters is located.

“They mostly go to Monglen Village. The cars they use are high-end, so it’s easy to spot them. Some local people also deliver the food they order,” another anonymous source said.

Zhapian gangs continue to operate freely in the forests of eastern and southern Shan State, protected by certain armed groups and militias, locals told Shan Herald.

Despite international efforts to crack down on telecom scams, these operations continue to run covertly under the protection of armed groups and militias in remote areas of Myanmar, especially in the forests and border regions of Shan State.

Photo credit - CJ