Disturbing details emerge from Myanmar’s northern scam operations

1 year ago 112

11th January 2025 – (Naypyidaw) Recent investigations have unveiled further horrific details about telecom fraud syndicates operating in northern Myanmar, where Chinese nationals are derogatorily labelled as “pigs” and “walking RMB.” Authorities have discovered that these scam sites are surrounded by iron bars and cages, with blood stains visible throughout the premises.

In a special programme aired on state media on 10th January, police highlighted how these criminal groups exploit vulnerable Chinese citizens, treating them as essential financial assets. Quanzhou Public Security Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division Chief Qiu Xin noted that individuals lacking computer skills or typing abilities are often resold multiple times at alarming profit margins, with prices escalating from RMB 20,000-30,000 (approximately HK$21,000-32,000) to as high as RMB 300,000-400,000 (around HK$320,000-430,000).

To maintain strict control over their operations, these syndicates seek protection from armed groups in northern Myanmar, paying fees for security and management. The crimes associated with these fraud operations include illegal detention, kidnapping, sexual assault, extortion, intentional injury, and even murder. Zhang Changhui, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigation Division in Wenzhou, reported a case where a victim was brutally murdered with a metal rod for attempting to communicate with the outside world.

Since July 2023, the Ministry of Public Security has collaborated with local authorities in Myanmar to launch extensive crackdowns on these telecom fraud organisations. To date, over 53,000 suspected fraudsters have been handed over to Chinese authorities, resulting in the dismantling of numerous scam operations. Investigations are also making significant progress against other criminal groups led by key suspects including Bai Suocheng, Bai Yingcang, Liu Zhengmao, Xu Laofa, and Wei Huairen.