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Myanmar’s State Government has called on the public to cooperate in efforts to detect, expose, and suppress online scams and illegal online gambling.
The government said these activities are no longer isolated offences. Rather, they have transformed into cross-border threats that can influence national security, the community, and the overall economy.
Based on the public announcement, criminal gangs have managed to enter Myanmar illegally via the border region and operate in cyberspace with the potential to damage the people living in the country and also in other countries.
The government described online scams and illegal online gambling as organized criminal activities that have created serious problems in many parts of the world.
Authorities are continuing to investigate reports that certain groups have used houses and other compounds as bases for internet-based fraud and gambling operations.
13 Arrested Near Naik Hkwan Village
The appeal followed information from members of the public regarding people suspected of involvement in online scam and gambling activities near Naik Hkwan Village.
The location is close to the border of Thibaw Township in northern Shan State.
Following receipt of the information, a joint team of security officials visited the area, made enquiries, and conducted searches in one of the houses.
On September 15, 13 persons were arrested by the team, who were suspected to be involved in online scamming and gambling.
Equipment that is linked to the operation was also confiscated. The confiscation of the items will be followed as per procedure, while legal action will follow after investigations are carried out.
The press release did not indicate the extent of the alleged operations or list all those arrested in the operation. The suspects will still face the judicial process.
Risks Linked to Online Crime
Online scams can take several forms. Criminal networks may create fake investment opportunities, send messages that appear to come from banks or government agencies, or use social-media accounts to gain a person’s trust before requesting money.
Some individuals get high-paying job opportunities after learning that their personal details, bank account, or computer has been used to commit an unlawful act. Some can be tricked through phony websites, loan scams, or messages claiming that there is a need to help their family members.
Illegal online gambling creates another risk. These platforms may attract users through small prizes, promotional bonuses, or promises of quick income.
These websites can lure users by offering them tiny rewards or by promising them fast money.
The problem for the users is that those who have deposited money might experience hidden fees, rigged games, or losing their money. The family can also suffer from the addiction in case a gambler uses borrowed money or sells his property to gamble more.
The youth can be vulnerable in case of exposure to online gambling due to the lack of awareness about its negative effects.
Cross-Border Cooperation Continues
The government said it is taking severe action under existing laws against people found operating online scam and gambling businesses.
Myanmar is also collaborating with neighboring nations and international organizations in searching for criminal groups, arresting the criminals, and preventing this from happening in the country.
The need for cross-border collaboration is due to the fact that organizers, workers, and victims could be from different countries. Sharing information and conducting investigations together, as well as sending back foreign nationals, are among the things that have been done.
There were also references to foreign nationals who entered Myanmar without permission, those who are having problems for various reasons, and the victims of human trafficking. Plans have been made to send these people back to their respective countries.
The government noted that people found inside scam compounds may not all have the same role. Some may be organizers or operators, while others may have been recruited through deception, threatened, or prevented from leaving.
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar
