Local sources report an increase in both criminal activities and child disappearances in Chaungzon and Mawlamyine, where large-scale gambling operations are operating.
According to local residents, children aged 10 and above have frequently gone missing while commuting to and from school or during outdoor activities.
In the first week of February, an incident occurred in Kamarmo village, Chaungzon Township, where two unidentified men attempted to drug a sixth-grade schoolgirl.
Although most missing children are eventually found, they often experience memory loss and are unable to recall details about their disappearance. This has raised serious concerns among parents and guardians regarding the safety of their children, said a community representative from Chaungzon.
“We often see similar cases being shared on Facebook from other areas, but this actually happened here in Kamarmo. After the incident, parents have been extra cautious and are personally escorting their children to and from school,” he stated.
While such incidents were previously uncommon in Chaungzon, crime rates have visibly increased as locals and outsiders frequently visit the area due to the growing presence of gambling establishments.
Similarly, in certain neighborhoods of Mawlamyine, where large gambling operations are permitted, reports of child disappearances have led families to seek assistance from local rescue groups. However, officials have reportedly failed to take action on these cases, and some complainants allege that authorities demand bribes instead of addressing the issue.
A humanitarian worker stated, “These gambling dens are given the freedom to operate anywhere, leading to all sorts of negative consequences. We’ve seen theft, missing children, and various other crimes. But when people report these incidents, there is no proper mechanism for action. Instead of investigating, authorities ask for ‘paperwork fees’ first, making it difficult for people to file complaints.”
According to records from the Mawlamyine Missing Persons Facebook group and anti-human trafficking organizations, at least five young people, including school-aged children, went missing in February. This information is based on missing persons announcements shared on social media.
Across Mon State, gambling dens operating under the protection of the military junta and Mon State Chief Minister continue to thrive. These establishments have also become hotspots for illegal money lending and the pawning of valuable assets such as motorcycles and other expensive items.
In October 2024, at least 20 children under the age of 10 went missing in Payathonzu (Three Pagodas Pass) township, an area that has a heavy presence of armed groups.
