YANGON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Myanmar government announced on Wednesday that security forces have dismantled multiple telecommunications fraud and illegal online gambling operations in northern Shan state, seizing a large cache of equipment, including Starlink satellite devices, during coordinated raids.
At a press conference, Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council, said law-enforcement operations across Shan state since 2025 had uncovered and destroyed several criminal sites.
He highlighted a major operation in January this year in Hsipaw and Mongyai townships, where security forces dismantled clusters of tele-fraud and gambling dens, along with multiple drug production sites, described as the largest and most extensive drug clearance operation in the country's history.
During the recent raids, temporary barracks, computers, Starlink terminals, and other equipment used in illegal activities were seized, and numerous suspects were arrested, he said.
He explained that investigations revealed criminal groups, with the involvement of local Ethnic Armed Organizations, exploited security gaps in certain areas to establish bases for telecom fraud, gambling, and drug production, causing serious harm to the country and the wider region.
He stressed that the government is dismantling telecom fraud and online gambling networks as a national duty, as these activities undermine national security and public order.
Myanmar is also cooperating with neighboring countries to eliminate cross-border criminal networks involved in telecom scams, gambling, and drug trafficking, he added. ■