YANGON: On April 25, the United Wa State Army (UWSA) Judicial Commission transferred 72 Chinese nationals engaged in online scam operations to China, according to reports.
The UWSA announced that these individuals were handed over, along with associated materials, through the Meng'a border gate on April 25.
The UWSA stated it has been conducting ongoing crackdowns on online scam operations within the Wa Self-Administered Region. Some scam groups had allegedly entered the area illegally via unofficial border crossings.
The UWSA emphasised in its statement that it would strictly block and shut down online scam activities within its territory.
Following intelligence on online scam operations, the Wa State Judicial Commission conducted investigations and raids at four locations, arresting 71 Chinese nationals and seizing 301 mobile phones and 31 computers.
Those arrested, along with the confiscated items, were transferred to Chinese authorities via the border gate on April 25.
The UWSA further announced on April 26 that if any offices or residences are rented out to online scam groups, those properties will be confiscated.
Due to police operations to dismantle online scam networks in the Wa region, some suspects attempted to flee to avoid arrest, according to sources.
The UWSA reported that the crackdown has achieved significant results and issued four key directives aimed at intensifying the fight against online fraud networks.
The UWSA warned that any form of participation or collusion with online scams would be strictly prohibited, and violators would face severe punishment.
The statement added that anyone living in the Wa region found supporting or facilitating online scam operations — including renting out offices or homes — would have their properties seized.
Additionally, hotels or individuals suspected of involvement must undergo thorough document verification and must immediately report any suspicious activity to judicial authorities.
The UWSA stressed the importance of public cooperation in efforts to eradicate online scam activities and encouraged citizens to report any suspicious incidents.
Previously, the UWSA also transferred 48 online scam suspects to China in early April and handed over two wanted scam leaders along with 16 Chinese nationals on March 13. - Eleven Media/ANN
