China claims 'wipe-out' of large telecom fraud centres in northern Myanmar

BEIJING - China and Myanmar's law enforcement agencies have "wiped out" all large-scale telecom fraud centres operating in northern Myanmar, Chinese state media reported on Thursday, after an operation at the weekend saw more than 700 arrested.

China launched a campaign last year to combat telecom fraud in Myanmar following a surge in crimes targeting Chinese citizens.

Since then, more than 53,000 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in frauds have been arrested, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing China's Ministry of Public Security.

On Nov. 17, authorities arrested 763 Chinese suspects in Tangyan, in northern Myanmar, including 69 fugitives, Xinhua reported, adding that the suspects and relevant evidence had been handed over to China.

"Under the intensified crackdown and deterrence, fraud perpetrators have continuously relocated deeper into Myanmar, moving to areas such as Wan Hai, Tangyan, and Myawaddy," Xinhua said.

"Public security authorities will continue to maintain a high-pressure crackdown on cross-border telecom fraud ... Intensify efforts to strengthen law enforcement collaboration, resolutely eradicating the 'cancer' of telecom fraud," the report cited an official from the ministry as saying.

More than 100,000 people engaged in telecom fraud each day in at least 1,000 scam centres in Myanmar, Chinese state media reported last year.

China's Premier Li Qiang, in a meeting with Myanmar junta leader earlier this month, called for joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud. REUTERS