Myanmar authorities arrest 295 Chinese, 12 locals in major crackdown on illegal online gambling operations

YANGON – According to a statement from the authorities, the arrests took place in Mandalay Region’s Pyigyidagun Township and Eastern Shan State’s Tachilek Township. On June 27, a joint task force comprising security personnel conducted a raid based on information received, uncovering illegal online gambling activities at the residence of Ko Htin Shann, located in Ward (Ga Gyi) between 61st and 62nd Streets, on 117th Street, Pyigyidagun Township.

During the raid, authorities discovered that the top floor of the residence was rented out by the owner, Htin Shann, to facilitate illegal online gambling activities. Among those arrested were Yan Win Myint (also known as Kyant Wan Ri), a manager from Nan U Lwin Ward, Patheingyi Township; Law Kyin Kywan, a supervisor from Kyun Shan Village, Laukkai Township; and Zing Ma Htwe (also known as Yin Yone), a staff member from No. 4 Ward, Tamoenye Township. In total, 12 individuals were apprehended, including one man and eight women, along with various items used in the illegal operations: six laptops, 63 mobile phones, 11 million kyats in cash, six national identification cards, and other related equipment.

Similarly, on June 28, a joint task force consisting of security personnel conducted a raid in Shan State (East), Tachileik Township, at No. Ma-3/232, Lwan Kyaing Street, Pasat Ward. Acting on information received, the authorities discovered that Chinese nationals were residing and operating illegal online gambling activities. The raid resulted in the arrest of 295 Chinese nationals (288 men and 7 women), along with 900 mobile phones and other related equipment used in the illegal operations.

The authorities have announced that the 12 Myanmar nationals and 295 Chinese nationals involved in illegal online gambling operations will face necessary legal actions following further investigations.