16 Myanmar nationals arrested with online fraud equipment in Kamaryut Township

A total of 16 Myanmar nationals—eight men and eight women—were arrested in Kamaryut Township, Yangon Region, for their alleged involvement in an online fraud operation, authorities said.

The case began at around 3 pm on June 16, when security personnel responded to a report of a suspicious unlicensed vehicle parked outside the Loi Sam Sip Restaurant on Shwe Taunggyar (2) Street in Bahan Township. A search of the vehicle uncovered equipment believed to have been used in online fraud, including three X power stations, four laptops, eight USB chargers, two Starlink devices, 175 mobile phones and a color printer.

Subsequent investigations and CCTV footage traced the vehicle and another electric vehicle to a house on Aung Min Khaung (1) Street in Ward 10 of Kamaryut Township. Security forces raided the house at around 9:30 pm on June 17 and arrested the 16 suspects.

According to investigators, the suspects had rented a condominium in Ahlone Township from September 1, 2025, to August 30, 2026, at a monthly rental fee of seven million kyats. During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted that one member of the group supplied mobile phones and social media accounts used to contact Chinese nationals and persuade them to purchase cosmetics, consumer goods and jade.

Investigators said potential buyers were instructed to send photographs of the products and payment in Chinese yuan. If customers expressed doubts, the suspects allegedly used pre-prepared electronic employment cards to pose as legitimate sales staff. The group reportedly earned a three percent commission on each successful transaction and did not receive fixed salaries.

The suspects further told investigators that, after business declined, they abandoned the mobile phones, electronic equipment and the unlicensed vehicle in the parking area outside the Loi Sam Sip Restaurant in an attempt to conceal ownership.

Authorities said the 16 suspects will face legal action, while the seized equipment used in the alleged online fraud operation will be confiscated in accordance with the law to prevent its further use.