Myanmar a venue, not beneficiary, of scam centers, says Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung
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Htet Nadi (NP News) - Dec 13
Although Myanmar is the location of a scam center, it is neither the source nor the main beneficiary of the crime, according to Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung, Union Minister for Home Affairs and Chairman of the Central Supervisory Committee on Combatting Telecom Fraud and Online Gambling. He made the remarks during the 1/2025 meeting of the Central Committee on Combating Online Fraud and Online Gambling held on December 10.
He stated that “These cyber-crimes should be seen as economic operations functioning through multiple networks rather than merely existing within Myanmar’s territory, and although Myanmar is the location of a scam centre, it is neither the source nor the main beneficiary of these crimes.”
In addition, Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung noted that none of the victims involved in this operation are Myanmar citizens.
He explained that “According to testimonies from foreign nationals rescued in Kayin State, most entered Thailand by air and travelled from Bangkok to Mae Sot by car or plane before illegally crossing the Thaungyin River to reach companies operating in Myawady Township. Others arrived at Yangon International Airport on valid visas and travelled by car to Myawady to join companies there. In percentage terms, 99.6 percent crossed from Mae Sot, while only 0.4 percent travelled through domestic routes. Although several embassies have requested assistance, alleging their citizens were victims of human trafficking, investigations revealed that some individuals were not trafficked but were working for their own benefit.”
Furthermore, he stated that none of the money obtained from the fraud enters Myanmar’s banking system, meaning the country gains no profit from these activities.
As the scam operations have taken on the nature of transnational crime, Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung emphasized that, under the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, every country bears responsibility for eliminating all related activities. He further urged that, to effectively address the problem, each country must fully carry out its obligations in line with international crime-prevention standards.
He highlighted that Myanmar is preparing to establish a National Anti-Scam Center in the 2026–2027 fiscal year. He also noted that the Cybersecurity Law was enacted on 1 January 2025 and came into force on 30 July. With the establishment of the Central Supervisory Committee on Combatting Telecom Fraud and Online Gambling on 10 December, Myanmar is now ready to implement its activities as a fully organized mechanism.