Myanmar’s National Defence and Security Council information team said joint security forces raided an alleged online gambling and fraud site in Laikha, southern Shan State, on February 22, detaining 20 Chinese men. Two Starlink sets were among equipment seized. Dormitories, workshops and a dining hall were also found, with the site preliminarily identified as an online gambling and fraud base.
The statement said aerial drone reconnaissance prompted the operation. Around noon, officers found suspicious buildings about three kilometres from the village rendered as Nao Long in the area rendered as Wan Ban, Laikha, and conducted a raid. At about 6:15 p.m., five Chinese citizens who had entered illegally were detained near the village rendered as De Mao. They were reportedly also linked to the scam activities, bringing the total to 25.
According to the reported accounts of those detained, they had worked as bricklayers, drivers and in other jobs in China and sought overseas employment on WeChat under financial pressure. They travelled via places including Xishuangbanna and Chongqing, entering Myanmar illegally through routes involving Pangkham, Mongyai and Mong La. Myanmar authorities said they would pursue legal action, investigate organisers and handle seized equipment according to law.
KPS99TV compiled report.