Online gambling scams rooted in Myanmar are rapidly emerging as a global cybercrime threat, with billions of dollars laundered annually and vulnerable people across Southeast Asia, the UK, and the US being exploited. At the heart of this growing criminal ecosystem lies “Kyar Phyant”, a Burmese term synonymous with online fraud operations that now stretch across national borders. The findings were published in the ASAP Journal.
The issue has gained urgency due to its staggering impact. Fraudulent gambling platforms based in Myanmar have used fake casino websites, social media deception, and romance scams to siphon off funds from unsuspecting users. These platforms attract victims through apps like Facebook and Telegram, often embedding phishing links in entertainment groups and job advertisements. Once engaged, victims are manipulated into transferring money or personal information, which is then exploited for further fraud.
The human cost is severe. Thousands of individuals – many trafficked or coerced into working within scam compounds – are forced into illegal activities under threat of violence or confinement. These compounds, often located in regions beyond government control, are backed by ethnic armed groups and local militias. In some cases, victims include Westerners enticed by fake romantic relationships or promises of financial return.
Money laundering operations connected to these scams are just as vast. Cryptocurrency wallets, informal financial systems, and real estate investments are used to obscure the origins of criminal funds. Some reports estimate that scam networks in Myanmar and neighbouring countries launder as much as £59 billion annually, fuelling further organised crime, drug trafficking, and even weapons smuggling.
Myanmar’s political crisis has only made the problem worse. Since the 2021 military coup, law enforcement has deteriorated, allowing scam operations to thrive. The military junta, which controls key regions where scams are based, has been accused of profiting directly from these activities. Local corruption, weak oversight, and minimal international cooperation have allowed these criminal networks to spread unchecked.
Cities like Laukkai, Shwe Kokko, and KK Park have become notorious hubs for online gambling and associated scams. In these areas, criminal groups often work hand-in-hand with military figures, business leaders, and foreign nationals. The result is a lawless environment where both the financial and human exploitation is industrial in scale.
Recent international crackdowns have led to arrests and asset seizures, particularly involving Chinese nationals and cross-border operations. Yet the underlying drivers – poverty, weak governance, digital access, and corruption – remain unaddressed. Efforts by grassroots organisations and media watchdogs to raise awareness are growing, but the scale of the crime demands far more robust international collaboration.
For victims, the trauma is not only financial but psychological. Loss of savings, emotional manipulation, and fear of exposure have left many in despair. With online scams now one of the fastest-growing global crimes, experts warn that without decisive action, Myanmar’s illicit gambling operations could trigger a wider crisis in digital trust, human rights, and regional security.
