The government of Myanmar has significantly ramped up its efforts to dismantle the physical infrastructure of illegal online gambling and cyber scam networks operating along its borders.
In a decisive series of operations targeting notorious zones like Shwe Kokko and KK Park, authorities have demolished hundreds of unauthorized buildings. State reports confirm that over 500 structures have already been destroyed in KK Park alone as part of a systematic clearance strategy.
Systematic Destruction of Criminal Infrastructure
Security forces and local officials have focused their latest enforcement actions on the Myawaddy–Maethawtalay area, specifically Section 3 of KK Park. This week, joint teams moved to demolish key facilities identified as operational hubs for criminal syndicates, including a four-storey complex and multiple two-storey buildings used to house scam centers.
The crackdown employs a “scorched earth” policy to prevent any re-use of the facilities. After initial demolition by heavy machinery, authorities have begun using fire cylinders to incinerate the debris. On Monday, five additional buildings were burned down, bringing the total number of fully razed structures to 71. In total, 519 out of the 635 marked illegal buildings in KK Park have now been leveled.
Eliminating Equipment and Capabilities
Beyond the buildings themselves, the operations targeted the technological backbone of these criminal enterprises. Equipment and devices used to facilitate cyber fraud and illegal betting were seized and burned on-site to prevent them from re-entering the black market.
A National and Regional Commitment
Government officials of Myanmar have declared the eradication of these networks a national priority. Acknowledging that the battle is ongoing, the administration emphasized the need for cross-border cooperation to prevent syndicates from simply relocating. This aggressive stance marks a significant shift from previous policies, signaling to illicit operators that the “lawless” era of Myanmar’s border enclaves is coming to an end.
