Security forces in Myanmar have detained 85 Chinese nationals in a coordinated operation targeting online gambling activities in Muse township, located in northern Shan State. The arrests, carried out on March 20, followed reports from local residents about suspected illegal operations in several neighborhoods.

Authorities conducted simultaneous raids in Kaungmu Tong, Taw Yawt, and Suan Saw wards after receiving information about ongoing online gambling and fraud activities. Officials cited by The Star said the suspects were apprehended inside multiple buildings believed to be used as operational hubs.

During the searches, law enforcement officers confiscated a large number of devices linked to the alleged schemes. In Kaungmu Tong Ward, where the majority of arrests took place, 286 mobile phones were seized along with 30 computers and 28 laptops. Additional equipment was recovered in other locations, including 46 mobile phones and 18 computers in Taw Yawt Ward, and 85 mobile phones along with 10 computers in Suan Saw Ward.

Authorities stated that the detained individuals and confiscated materials would be handled in accordance with established legal procedures.

Raids Expand Across Multiple Locations

The crackdown extended beyond Muse township. On the same day, security personnel operating in southern Shan State reported further discoveries during operations near Kaungsan Village in Laihka Township. At a site roughly 3,000 meters west of the village, officials uncovered a larger compound containing multiple buildings and technical equipment.

The structures included two large buildings measuring 130 feet by 50 feet, several residential buildings of varying sizes, and a warehouse. Officers also seized 10 Starlink devices, 55 all-in-one computers, and 10 power stations, along with other materials believed to support online fraud and gambling operations.

Officials indicated that all confiscated items would be processed according to legal guidelines, while efforts continue to identify and prosecute individuals connected to the activities.

Authorities Highlight Cross-Border Concerns

Muse’s location near an international border has made it a focal point for cross-border online scams, prompting swift action once reports surfaced. The scale of the seized equipment suggested organized operations designed to reach users beyond Myanmar’s borders.

The use of multiple devices, including phones and computers, pointed to coordinated systems capable of maintaining continuous online activity. Authorities believe such setups enable operators to run large-scale gambling platforms and related scams targeting users in different regions.

Officials have repeatedly emphasized that these activities pose broader risks, extending beyond national boundaries and affecting international communities.

Ongoing Campaign Against Online Fraud

Myanmar’s government has framed its efforts against online gambling and telecom fraud as a national priority. Officials say the country is working closely with neighboring governments, regional partners, and international organizations to prevent such operations from establishing a foothold.

Security agencies have intensified enforcement measures in recent months, combining domestic operations with cross-border coordination. The Muse raid forms part of a wider strategy aimed at dismantling networks involved in online scams and limiting their ability to operate.

Authorities stated that combating these crimes is considered a national responsibility, with continued cooperation between local forces and international partners viewed as essential to eliminating the threat.

The latest arrests underscore the government’s focus on responding quickly to local reports while pursuing broader efforts to disrupt organized online gambling networks. Investigations are ongoing as officials work to trace connections linked to the detained suspects and seized equipment.