Online scam workers have been allowed to stay for long periods at resorts and hotels in Hpa-An Township, Karen State, with hotel operators reportedly permitting their accommodation, according to local residents.
Following crackdowns on online scam operations in the Myawaddy area along the Thai–Myanmar border, carried out by the military junta and some local armed groups, a number of online scam workers, including Chinese nationals, have reportedly arrived in Hpa-An Township since late November.
A local man from Hpa-An said that online scam workers, including Chinese nationals, are currently renting rooms in many resorts, hotels, and motels in and around the town, including popular recreation areas such as Chit Thu Myaing Park and hotel zones near the foot of Zwekabin Mountain.
“They are staying everywhere. Now even Chit Thu Myaing in Hpa-An Township is fully booked. Hotels in the Zwekabin Mountain hotel zone are also full. The scam workers are staying in the private areas of the hotels. Inside those hotels, there are Chinese, Myanmar, and other foreign online scam workers,” he said.
According to local sources, the online scam workers staying at resorts and hotels appear to be hiding temporarily and are preparing to move to other areas.
Residents have also raised security concerns after unfamiliar individuals were seen moving around villages in Hpa-An Township.
Local residents alleged that the online scam workers were transported from the Myawaddy area to Hpa-An Township by individuals linked to the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the KNU/KNLA Peace Council, including figures identified as Bo Shwe Wah and Major Saw Myint Swe. However, the Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA) has not been able to independently verify these claims.
“We already know the route they used. They came down from Myawaddy through forest routes along the old Dawna road. They cannot travel alone. If they did, they would be arrested or even shot. Now, armed groups are the ones transporting them. From Myawaddy to Hpa-An, the area is mostly controlled by the DKBA, so it is clear who is bringing them,” said a person close to armed groups in Hpa-An.
On December 9, three motorboats carrying Chinese online scam workers attempted to cross the Gyine River to continue traveling to another area. During the crossing, a patrol from the military junta opened fire, killing four online scam workers who were on one of the boats.
The military junta has also blocked water routes used to enter and leave Hpa-An Township and has tightened inspections at checkpoints. Authorities are closely checking individuals holding ‘13/’ National Registration Cards issued in Shan State, which are commonly carried by Chinese nationals. Some people have reportedly been arrested during these inspections.
