Myanmar junta says 72 of 77 scam-linked buildings demolished in Shwe Kokko; locals say operations are expanding

Mizzima Despite the Myanmar junta’s claim that only five buildings used for cyber scam operations remain to be demolished in Shwe Kokko, local residents say these operations are expanding significantly on the ground. Locals dismiss the junta’s assertion that the demolition drive is nearing completion as a performative effort to appear to be cracking down on the scam industry. On 13 July, the junta announced plans to demolish 77 buildings associated with cyber scam activities in the Shwe Kokko area of Myawaddy Township, saying 72 had already been demolished, with five remaining. A local resident alleged that the junta is demolishing only vacant buildings, deliberately ignoring operational facilities currently hosting scam activities. “New ones are even being added,” a Shwe Kokko resident said. “New sites are being established in previously deserted jungle areas like Htee Lone. Guest houses and dormitories are all full. If you see black or green tarpaulins covering buildings along the roads, those are cyber scam operations. Mizzima’s own review of online job advertisements for cyber scam operations along the Thai-Myanmar border on 24 July found a continuous stream of new postings. Residents say cyber scam operations persist in homes, high-rise buildings, hotels, and guesthouses within Shwe Kokko and surrounding areas, with new construction actively underway. While ordinary civilians face strict entry and exit restrictions in Shwe Kokko, new scam workers reportedly arrive daily, residents said. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), which met with the junta in Naypyidaw on 9 July and agreed to cooperate on combating online fraud, is reportedly relocating cyber scam operations from its historically controlled area of Kyauk Khat to Shwe Taung Ni, near DKBA headquarters in Son Zun Myaing, citing instability in Kyauk Khat. A resident of Son Zun Myaing confirmed the expansion. “Places that were cleared at the beginning of the year are now completely filled with buildings. In Son Zun Myaing village, there are only scam operations in places like Phu Shwe Wah’s house and other leaders’ residences. The areas around the village are purely for scam operations,” the resident said. According to sources, online scam operations are expanding not only within traditional strongholds in Karen State along the Thai-Myanmar border — including Shwe Kokko, Yekalel, Thit Htwee Kote, Phar Kaloo, Kyauk Khat, Son Zun Myaing, and Myawaddy — but are also extending along the route from Karen State toward Mae La. The post Myanmar junta says 72 of 77 scam-linked buildings demolished in Shwe Kokko; locals say operations are expanding appeared first on ENG.MIZZIMA.COM .