How telecom fraud became China's big problem in Myanmar

The northern frontier of Myanmar, a shadowy zone bordering China, has transformed into a battleground where ruthless telecom fraud syndicates thrive Myanmar police hand over five telecom and internet fraud suspects to Chinese police at Yangon International Airport in Yangon, Myanmar on August 26, 2023. AP The northern region of Myanmar, which borders China, has become a hub for a large and complex telecom fraud industry. Since the launch of a specialised operation by China’s Ministry of Public Security in 2023, over 53,000 Chinese nationals suspected of telecom fraud have been apprehended, according to a Xinhua report. This crackdown is part of China’s high-pressure campaign to eliminate telecom fraud originating in northern Myanmar.