269 suspects apprehended in China-Myanmar joint operation against telecom fraud

In a joint operation against telecom fraud by Chinese police and local law enforcement in Myanmar, a total of 11 dens in northern Myanmar were been busted, with 269 suspects detained, the Ministry of Public Security said Tuesday.

Of the 269 suspects, 186 are Chinese nationals, and they have been handed over to the Chinese side, where authorities will investigate their activities.

The tools used to commit the fraud, such as computers, smartphones, SIM cards, bank cards and scripts, were confiscated.

The amount of telecom fraud conducted in northern Myanmar targeting Chinese people has greatly increased since 2023, and they are widely complained about by Chinese residents.

More than 1,100 cases have been traced to northern Myanmar with a total involved value of over 120 million yuan ($16 million).

The scammers often pretend to be close to the victims’ boss, an investment broker or the customer service for a logistics company.

The ministry vowed to further intensify the crackdown on such illegal activities to safeguard people’s lives and property. They also told people in China to be cautious about telecom fraud, especially those claiming to be for a “high-paying overseas job.”

(With input from Xinhua.)