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HomeLatest NewsAnti-cyber scam operation led by China along Myanmar border

Anti-cyber scam operation led by China along Myanmar border

The China Embassy in Myanmar announced on Tuesday that an initiative by law enforcement targeting cross-border criminal syndicates called “Operation SEAGULL” led to the arrest of 70,000 cyber scam suspects and rescued 160 human trafficking victims from six countries.

“The operation brought together law enforcement resources from various countries, demonstrating an effective collaborative force to combat regional communication fraud and arms smuggling. All parties unanimously agreed that this joint operation served as an irreplaceable regional law enforcement platform, achieving the expected results and effectively protecting regional security and peace,” stated the Chinese embassy in its statement on Jan. 21. 

The operation – led by China – was formed by the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center (LMLECC) and includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

It has investigated 160 cases of suspected cyber scam operations mostly in Shan State along the Myanmar-China border from August to December 2024.

The announcement came after a meeting held by LMLECC in Kunming, Yunnan Province of China, on Jan. 21. Representatives from participating countries and international organizations, including the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chiefs of Police attended. 

The LMLECC, recognized as the first international intergovernmental security organization in the Lancang-Mekong region, reportedly emphasized the operation’s significance in combating regional criminal networks.

“Operation SEAGULL” was the first phase of its investigation. The China Embassy added that another phase of the operation is being planned to take place later this year.

A series of high-profile kidnappings have been reported targeting Chinese citizens, including actor Wang Xing, near the Thailand-Myanmar border.

The military regime in Naypyidaw, which seized power after the 2021 coup, accused Thailand of indirectly supporting cyber scam operations along the border by providing essential infrastructure like internet and electricity.

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