NDSC Information Team head says strong action taken within government bodies over online scam cases

Major General Zaw Min Tun, head of the Information Team of the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC), said strong action has been taken against individuals involved in online scam operations, including those within government institutions.

He made the remarks at a press conference held on December 14 at MRTV in Yangon during a briefing on the government’s national-level campaign to eradicate online scams. Responding to questions on public messaging and the involvement of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), he said online scams are widely condemned internationally, but the Myanmar government opposes them even more strongly, as the public—especially displaced civilians—suffers the most.

Major General Zaw Min Tun acknowledged that people knowingly or unknowingly involved in online scams exist in the northeastern region, within government bodies, and in regional and state administrations. He said decisive action has been taken against all involved, regardless of their position.

He stressed that online scams are a form of transnational crime involving criminal networks from multiple countries, making international cooperation essential. He added that neighbouring countries have also taken action as the crimes are often concealed and difficult to detect. “Whether knowingly or unknowingly involved, action will continue to be taken. Harmful elements must be removed,” he said.

Regarding EAOs, he said that despite claims of ethnic rights, federalism, or political causes, their activities in practice are driven mainly by business interests such as illegal extraction of natural resources. He questioned how much benefit local populations actually receive, citing a lack of infrastructure and public services in areas under EAO control.

He urged EAOs involved in online scams to return to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) framework, which was jointly developed with the international community, and called on them to stay on the agreed peace path and correct their course.