Myanmar repatriates 24 foreigners linked to telecom fraud

A total of 24 foreign nationals who were involved in telecom fraud and other criminal activities have been repatriated from Myanmar to their respective countries via the Myanmar–Thailand Friend­ship Bridge II.

The group includes 22 Vi­etnamese and two Singaporean nationals who had illegally en­tered Myanmar through border routes, conducting online gam­bling, online scams, and other criminal acts in Kayin State and the Myawaddy-Shwe Kokko ar­eas. The repatriation process was carried out in accordance with the law and international cooperation, prioritizing human­itarian considerations and fos­tering friendly relations between countries.

To ensure that the repatria­tion process was orderly, smooth, and accurate, U Kaung San Lin, Chairman of the Myawaddy Dis­trict Administration and Manage­ment Committee, together with relevant officials, coordinated with departmental authorities to verify and cross-check all records and information. Following this verification, the formal repatri­ation ceremony was conducted, attended by officials from the Deputy Director of the District Immigration and Population office, Ms Hoang Diem Hanh, Counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand, Mr Ken­neth Lui, First Secretary at the Singapore Embassy in Thailand, and other responsible officials, as well as representatives from Thailand’s Tak Province Immi­gration Department. Myanmar authorities systematically hand­ed over documentation and re­cords of the foreign nationals to their respective countries.

Between 30 January 2025 and 20 January 2026, a total of 14,151 foreign nationals who had entered Myawaddy Township il­legally were detained, screened, and processed. Among them, 12,176 were repatriated to their respective countries via Thai­land in compliance with legal procedures. The remaining 1,975 individuals are ready for repatri­ation, and authorities continue to provide secure custody and care.

The Myanmar government continues to actively identify, ap­prehend, and take strong action against foreigners involved in online scam centres and other criminal networks. Myanmar col­laborates closely with neighbour­ing countries, regional partners, and international organizations to ensure effective law enforcement. Authorities are coordinating prompt and safe repatriation to their respective countries while ensuring their welfare and pro­tection for foreign nationals af­fected by misfortune or victims of human trafficking. — MNA/KZL