At least four cyber scam workers were killed after military junta forces opened fire on boats carrying them while they were crossing the Gyaing River in Hpa-An Township, Karen State, according to local residents.
The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on December 9, when three motorboats transporting cyber scam workers, including Chinese nationals, attempted to cross the river from Khayar Apyin village to Kaw Bein village.
Local sources said the boats were stopped for inspection by a military junta patrol operating between the two villages. While two boats complied with the inspection, one boat attempted to flee and was fired upon by junta forces.
As a result of the shooting, at least four cyber scam workers on the fleeing boat fell into the river and drowned. The boat was also badly damaged. The cyber scam workers on the remaining two boats were arrested, a Khayar Apyin villager said.
“Each boat was carrying four to five people, along with computers and equipment related to cyber scam work. Most villagers were asleep at the time and only became aware after hearing gunfire. The two boats that stopped were arrested, but the one that did not stop was shot. Both the boat and the people were hit, and the victims were swept underwater.” the local man said.
Local residents and military junta forces have been searching along the Gyaing River for the missing bodies. As of last night, none had been recovered, according to residents.
Following recent crackdowns on cyber scam operations in the Shwe Koke Ko area of Myawaddy Township, many cyber scam workers have arrived in Hpa-An Township. From there, they are attempting to travel onward to Mawlamyine and Payathonzu using various routes, local sources said.
Residents reported that cyber scam workers are still hiding in orchards and plantations in Khayar Apyin village, prompting continued search operations by military junta forces.
“The situation between Khayar Apyin and Kaw Bein is very chaotic because of the cyber scam problem. Villagers often see five or six boats a day secretly crossing the river. Once they reach Kaw Bein, it is easy to travel on to Payathonzu. Some are also trying to reach Mawlamyine. They don’t know the routes and have to rely on hired guides.” a local man said.
Authorities reportedly transferred eight Chinese nationals arrested from the two seized boats, along with cyber scam equipment, to Infantry Battalion No. 81 in Hpa-An Township.
On November 18, military junta forces, along with the Karen State Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Karen National Union (KNU), carried out clearance operations in several areas of Myawaddy Township known for online scam activities. Since then, cyber scam workers, including Chinese nationals, have been fleeing to other regions.
In Mon State, more than 600 cyber scam workers arrested in Kyaikto, Bilin, Thaton, and Paung townships in late November were released on December 6 after being held for nearly two weeks, according to sources.
