Myanmar authorities say 777 people suspected of involvement in online scams and illegal gambling were arrested during a raid in Myawaddy Township, Kayin State.
The Ministry of Information said the arrests took place on July 25 in the Kyaukkhat area. Security forces searched seven one-storey buildings and one three-storey building that authorities said were being used for online scam and gambling activities.
According to the ministry, the group included 620 Chinese men, 11 Chinese women, three Thai women, 32 Myanmar men and 111 Myanmar women. The figures mean Chinese nationals made up the largest share of those detained, followed by Myanmar nationals.
The ministry also said officers seized one Starlink receiver, 85 computers and 183 mobile phones during the operation. The equipment was described as being connected to the alleged scam and gambling activities.
The Star separately reported the raid on July 29, citing official information from Myanmar. Its report also identified the location as the Kyauk Khat area of Myawaddy Township and said the detainees were suspected of operating online fraud and illegal gambling businesses.
Myanmar’s Ministry of Information said the detainees were taken to Myawaddy for investigation and that legal action would follow after the inquiry. The official account describes the individuals as suspects; an arrest does not by itself establish criminal responsibility.
The announcement comes as governments across Southeast Asia continue efforts to disrupt cross-border scam centres and online gambling networks. Authorities have also said they are working with neighbouring countries and regional organisations on the wider crackdown.
