Windia Soe
The Explosive Rise of Cyber Scam Syndicates in Myanmar
In recent years, in 2021, China has intensified efforts to combat cybercrime by enacting the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and Data Security Law (DSL) to reinforce China’s commitment to data security. Additionally, the Chinese government banned cryptocurrency trading, mining, and advertisements while implementing stricter anti-money laundering measures and crackdowns on telecom and online fraud. These regulatory shifts have made it increasingly difficult for cybercriminals to operate within China.
As a result, many cybercriminal syndicates adapted new methods and relocated their operations abroad to exploit stolen personal data for fraudulent schemes. Among their top destinations, Myanmar—already grappling with post-coup instability—emerged as a prime hub for cyber fraud and organized crime. Using lawlessness, economic turmoil, and the country’s strategic location, transnational crime syndicates have established large-scale scam operations. These operations not only cause significant financial damage but also involve human trafficking.
The Kokang Region and Myawaddy, located on Myanmar’s borders with China and Thailand, have historically been hotspots for illicit activities due to their strategic locations, ethnic armed conflicts, and weak central government control. From 1950-1990, Kokang was central to the Golden Triangle’s opium trade, while Myawaddy facilitated drug trafficking. By 2000-2020, both areas shifted toward gambling and underground financial schemes, fueled by cross-border investments and Special Economic Zones. Since 2020, they have become centers for large-scale online scams, supported by SEZ infrastructure and armed group protection.
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