Authorities in Laos have arrested 771 people linked to a cyber scam network operating out of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located on the border with Myanmar and Thailand. The SEZ, known for its Chinese-owned casinos and hotels, has become a hub for illegal activities in recent years, with the latest arrests marking a significant effort to combat transnational crime.
The operation, which took place on August 12, involved the cooperation of international security forces, including from China, and is considered one of the most substantial crackdowns in the region’s history. Among those detained were 489 men and 282 women from 15 different nationalities, including individuals from Laos, Myanmar, China, Burundi, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tunisia, the Philippines, Uganda, and Vietnam.
Following the arrests, Laotian nationals were released to their communities with the help of relatives, while Chinese detainees were handed over to Chinese authorities on August 15. Other foreign nationals were transferred to their respective embassies.
This crackdown follows another recent operation involving Vietnamese and Laotian police, where 155 Vietnamese nationals were arrested for their involvement in cyber fraud and human trafficking within the SEZ.
Since its establishment in 2007, the Golden Triangle SEZ has seen a rise in illicit activities, including drug smuggling, gambling, and other criminal operations, according to a report by Crisis Group last year.
