Web Desk
Myanmar’s border scam centres—especially in regions like Myawaddy—remain hotbeds of cyber fraud and modern slavery.
With China’s recent crackdowns on cyber-scam operations near the Thailand-Myanmar border, scammers are shifting targets from Mandarin-speaking to English-speaking victims.
This growing threat demands stronger collaboration between ASEAN nations and cyber-capable partners like Australia.
A Global Scam Network Hidden in Plain Sight
Criminal syndicates in Myanmar operate scam compounds where thousands of victims are forced into cyber fraud, love scams, crypto schemes, and illegal gambling. Many are lured through fake job ads on social media.
Once inside, they’re stripped of IDs and phones, held captive, and exploited for online fraud. According to UN estimates, around 120,000 people are trapped in Myanmar, with thousands more across Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and the Philippines.
A Celebrity Disappearance Triggered Action
For years, Chinese authorities turned a blind eye—until Chinese actor Wang Xing’s disappearance drew viral attention on Weibo.
Following massive online pressure, he was released within hours. This sparked outrage among families of over 1,800 missing Chinese citizens.
The incident spotlighted the deep systemic failures in regional law enforcement and how social media mobilization can expose criminal networks.
China’s High-Level Crackdown—and Its Limits
China responded with urgency. President Xi Jinping met Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leading Thailand to cut off electricity, gas, and internet to five scam-ridden towns. However, enforcement was patchy.
Myanmar junta-backed forces like Saw Chit Thu’s Border Guard Force publicly joined the crackdown—despite being complicit.
While over 7,000 victims have been released, syndicates are adapting fast—switching to Starlink satellite internet and alternative energy to continue operations.
Shift to English-Speaking Victims
As China tightens its borders and surveillance, scammers are now targeting English-speaking users.
This shift complicates the situation and increases the risk for Western countries like Australia, which already sees thousands of cybercrime cases annually.
ASEAN’s Challenge: Regional Coordination Still Lags
ASEAN has structures in place like ASEANAPOL and INTERPOL’s regional hub in Singapore. While arrests have been made and assets seized, these actions rarely dismantle the core networks.
The newly formed ASEAN Computer Emergency Response Team is a step forward—but it lacks the political and enforcement power to act inside Myanmar, where criminal actors enjoy military protection.
Australia’s Role: Capable, But Not Yet Fully Engaged
Australia has a proven track record in disrupting cybercrime. Operation Firestorm, in collaboration with Philippine authorities, took down a major scam network in Manila.
But Australia has yet to fully align itself with ASEAN efforts. With its offensive cyber capabilities, diplomatic influence, and policing resources, Australia is uniquely positioned to lead a regional push.
What Should Australia Do?
1. Increase Regional Training: Build skills through workshops for ASEAN law enforcement, focusing on digital forensics and cyber-tracking.
2. Boost Intelligence Sharing: Establish secure data sharing and real-time collaboration between cyber units in the region.
3. Apply Diplomatic Pressure: Use ministerial dialogue and cyber sanctions against host governments that allow scam networks to operate.
4. Fund Targeted Operations: Go beyond general aid—invest directly in anti-scam initiatives that trace, rescue, and prosecute.
Earthquake Used to Scam Victims
Scammers exploited the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar by spreading fake donation links and phishing campaigns.
This underscores how quickly these networks evolve and the importance of coordinated international responses to cyber-enabled disasters.
A Missed Opportunity for Australia—For Now
The Fifth ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting highlighted cross-border scam prevention but made no mention of Australian involvement.
As scammers pivot toward English-speaking victims and use regional instability to thrive, it’s time for Australia to act.
