Myanmar Myawaddy Telecommunication Fraud Parks Revive: New Complexes Built in Two Months Under Armed Protection

In 2025, China, Myanmar, and Thailand jointly cracked down on telecommunication fraud parks in Myawaddy, Myanmar, repatriating over 1,500 criminal suspects and demolishing more than 630 buildings. This cross-border law enforcement action gave many people hope. However, just one year later, the fraud parks have revived. In September 2026, multiple media outlets exposed the revival of the Myawaddy telecommunication fraud parks. Satellite imagery shows that the SITKAT park in Myawaddy was rapidly constructed from an empty lot into a large-scale building complex within just two months - it was still bare ground in June, but by August, rows of buildings had already risen. After the crackdown, the fraud groups started new layouts within months. The construction speed of the SITKAT park is astonishing - from empty land to building complex in just two months. More alarmingly, fraud groups are no longer hiding but openly recruiting members through social media platforms. The revival of fraud parks is sustained by local armed forces. Analysis indicates these criminal networks rely on protection from local armed groups such as the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) and its derivative organizations. A local youth activist pointed out that after the coup, the systematic collapse of Myanmar's rule of law allowed these black markets to expand unrestrainedly. Fraud activities are shifting to more remote and concealed areas. According to the Myanmar International News (BNI), criminal groups are expanding into areas near Tika Kyi and regions controlled by armed forces like the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA). Notably, the new wave of fraud activities no longer targets only Chinese victims. Reports indicate that fraud groups are primarily targeting American victims with customized cross-border scams. This shift reflects the "professionalization" of the fraud industry - developing different scam scripts and operating models for different target groups. The public must remain vigilant. If encountering suspected fraud, immediately call the anti-fraud hotline 96110 or report through the National Anti-Fraud Center app. If already victimized, preserve chat records, transfer certificates and other evidence, and report to local public security authorities immediately.