China, Myanmar, and Thailand have launched a coordinated offensive against transnational telecom fraud operations, pledging to dismantle criminal networks and repatriate suspects in a landmark agreement announced Sunday by China's Ministry of Public Security.
Tripartite Action Targets Fraud Hubs
The three nations agreed to intensify law enforcement collaboration during a ministerial meeting focused on combating organized telecom scams. Key targets include Myawaddy – a notorious hub for cross-border fraud – and other compounds across the region. Over 5,400 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud in Myawaddy were repatriated in 2025 alone, marking a major milestone in the joint operation.
Decade-Long Crackdown Intensifies
This initiative builds on China's sustained anti-fraud campaign with Southeast Asian partners. In November 2024, authorities eradicated all major telecom fraud centers along the China-Myanmar border in northern Myanmar. By end-2024, Chinese and Myanmar police had arrested over 53,000 suspects since launching coordinated operations in 2023.
Similar successes emerged from China-Laos cooperation, with 268 telecom fraud suspects returned from Laos in 2024. 'These operations protect citizens' property rights and maintain regional financial security,' a ministry spokesperson stated.
