Myanmar Repatriates 94 Chinese Scammers Through Thailand Amid Regional Crackdown
Authorities in Myanmar have transferred 94 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in scam networks to Chinese officials via Thailand, including 14 high-level suspects wanted by Chinese law enforcement. The handover took place at the Myawaddy-Mae Sot Permanent Border Checkpoint No. 2 on August 20, 2025, under strict security supervision.
The operation involved Myawaddy provincial security officials and Border Guard Force (BGF) troops escorting the individuals to the Thai side, where Mae Sot district officials processed all 94 through immigration checks. The identification and verification process lasted over an hour before the group was transported to Mae Sot International Airport.
At the airport, two chartered China Southern Airlines flights awaited the transfer. Buses brought the Chinese nationals directly to the aircraft doors, where Chinese police and airline security personnel conducted document verification and body searches. The 14 high-profile suspects were held under special custody arrangements, while all 94 were flown to China for further investigation and prosecution.
Crackdown Targets Scam Networks Along Thai-Myanmar Border
Myawaddy province, located directly across from Mae Sot in Thailand’s Tak province, has become a hotspot for scam operations, with new city projects often serving as bases and money-laundering hubs. The crackdown has been intensified under pressure from both Thai and Chinese authorities to disrupt these networks.
Since February 20 this year, thousands of individuals involved in scams—both willing participants and victims of human trafficking—have been repatriated to their home countries. Authorities continue to monitor and dismantle scam operations, even as criminal networks adapt by relocating facilities or changing methods to evade law enforcement.
The handover operation highlights ongoing regional cooperation to combat cross-border crime. Thai officials played a key role in ensuring a smooth transfer, coordinating with Chinese authorities and maintaining strict security measures throughout the process.
Regional Impact and Future Measures
Experts warn that scam networks along the Thai-Myanmar border remain resilient, with new schemes emerging to exploit gaps in law enforcement. Officials from Myanmar, Thailand, and China emphasise the need for continuous intelligence-sharing and joint operations to prevent future incidents.
Local authorities also urge residents and businesses near the border to report suspicious activities promptly. Meanwhile, China has indicated it will continue prosecuting high-level suspects aggressively, sending a strong message against transnational scam operations.
This large-scale repatriation marks one of the most significant collaborative efforts in recent months to dismantle cross-border scam networks, reflecting the region’s commitment to cracking down on fraud and safeguarding the public.