KUALA LUMPUR - Myanmar, China and Thailand are intensifying cooperation to combat telecom fraud and online gambling by tracking individuals who entered Myanmar illegally through border routes and carried out crimes in Kayin State.

Deputy Chief of Police Maj-Gen Myo Min Htike and local authorities welcomed delegations led by China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhong Yi and Thailand’s Pol Lt-Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej at the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge I.

The visiting officials inspected ongoing enforcement operations aimed at dismantling online fraud and gambling networks operating along the border areas.

During the meeting, the three sides discussed eliminating online fraud networks in the Myawady region and cooperating on the transfer of suspects to their respective countries.

The crackdown focuses on areas including Myawady-Shwe Kokko, Myawady-Maethawtalay (KK Park) and Chongkhaed, which have been linked to online fraud and illegal gambling activities.

The three country delegation travelled to KK Park to inspect the demolition of illegal structures used for online fraud and gambling before returning to Myawady.

The officials visited the Shwe Kokko area to inspect buildings previously used to house foreign nationals involved in online fraud, including demolished properties linked to Yatai Company.

The delegation also inspected Chinese nationals being held at the Border Guard Force’s Security and Discipline Enforcement Office in Myawady.

Myanmar, China, Thailand trilateral meeting on combating telecom fraud and online gambling was then held at the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge II in Myawady.

On the other hand, the delegations later departed for Thailand following the conclusion of the discussions.

The Myanmar government said combating online fraud and illegal gambling is a national priority and that it will continue working with local authorities and neighbouring countries to eradicate such crimes.