YANGON: Myanmar has deported 31 foreign nationals involved in telecom fraud and other criminal activities to their respective countries and detained an additional 13 foreigners for further investigation, said official sources.
These individuals had entered Myanmar illegally through border routes—some transiting through neighbouring countries, including Thailand—and were found operating illegal online gambling and scam operations in areas such as Shwe Kokko, KK Park (Meethawthalay), and Kyauk Khat in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State.
Those deported on May 20 via the Myanmar–Thailand Friendship Bridge No. 2 included one South Korean, seven Nigerians, 10 Indians, one Russian, and 12 Filipinos.
The deportation was carried out in accordance with legal procedures and in the spirit of humanitarian and international cooperation. It was coordinated by Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population, Kayin State Deputy Director-General U Myint Phone, and relevant departmental officials. They ensured that the list of individuals and supporting documents were complete and accurate.
Also present were immigration authorities from Thailand’s Tak Province, who coordinated with Myanmar officials to receive the deported individuals.
On the same day, authorities detained 13 more foreign nationals who had entered Myanmar illegally via the same border regions: eight Filipinos, one Nigerian, three Indians, and one Chinese citizen.
From Jan 30 to May 20, 2025, Myanmar authorities apprehended a total of 9,099 foreign nationals who had entered the country illegally. Out of these, 8,469 individuals have already been deported through Thailand to their home countries, and 630 are in custody, prepared for transfer.
The Myanmar government continues to investigate and take action against all individuals and networks involved in online scams and gambling, in collaboration with neighbouring countries and international organisations.
Foreign nationals connected to these activities are being systematically deported in accordance with international protocols and legal standards. - Eleven Media/ANN
