On Feb. 20, a total of 200 Chinese nationals suspected of participating in fraud were escorted back to China by Chinese police, following their repatriation from Myawaddy, Myanmar. Over the coming days, at least 800 more suspects are expected to be repatriated.
Chinese police, working with authorities in Thailand and Myanmar, used chartered flights to transfer the suspects, who arrived at Nanjing Lukou International Airport in Jiangsu Province on the same day.
The Ta Kung Pao reporter provided on-site coverage of the repatriation process. The journalist arrived at the Thailand-Myanmar border's Mae Sot Border Checkpoint 2 at 7 a.m., where the atmosphere was tense, with over 50 armed soldiers standing guard and military vehicles stationed outside.
At approximately 9 a.m., the first group of suspects, transported in two buses, crossed the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge and entered the checkpoint. The convoy included two Thai police vehicles escorting the buses, with additional police cars at the rear.
The suspects, in groups of four, were escorted into the immigration building under tight military supervision. They carried no visible luggage, and each held a white A4 sheet as they reboarded the buses after a brief stay (about 15 minutes) at the checkpoint.
By 11:16 a.m., the suspects boarded China Southern Airlines charter flight CZ2981 at Mae Sot Airport, which departed promptly at 11:30 a.m. Three additional charter flights were arranged later in the day, departing at 12:25 p.m., 1:40 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. More flights are scheduled over the next two days to continue the repatriation process.
Liu Zhongyi, Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security arrived at Mae Sot Airport at 5:05 p.m. on a special flight to oversee the operation. When asked about the operation's success by the reporter, Liu gestured in affirmation.
Liu later joined a press conference at the airport with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Myanmar Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Aung Kyaw Kyaw.
Prawit praised the operation's success, emphasizing the cooperation among China, Thailand, and Myanmar. He stated that Thai authorities had played a crucial role in verifying the identities of the suspects using biometric technology. He also noted that the recent "three-pronged approach" had effectively dismantled telecom fraud networks, with local communities in Myanmar increasingly opposing such criminal groups.
The operation follows the Feb. 15 extradition of 10 suspects connected to the Wang Xing case. These individuals were handed over to Chinese authorities after being arrested by Thai police.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China is actively working with Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries to combat cross-border criminal activities. The goal is to eradicate telecom fraud and online gambling networks through comprehensive measures and international cooperation.
An official from China's Ministry of Public Security confirmed that telecom fraud has become a global challenge requiring intensified international law enforcement collaboration. The trilateral partnership between China, Myanmar, and Thailand will continue to target cross-border crimes on an ongoing basis. Authorities also aim to rescue victims, apprehend key criminal figures, and eliminate fraud camps to protect the lives and property of Chinese citizens.
The recent dismantling of the telecom fraud hub in Myawaddy, Myanmar, marks a significant victory. Once a feared base for criminal activities, Myawaddy's collapse underscores China's determination to safeguard its citizens abroad. This high-profile operation reflects the government's commitment to its "people-centered" approach and its dedication to maintaining international security and justice.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao)
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