FATF asks Myanmar to act against cyber scam threats, protect trafficking victims
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), following the conclusion of its plenary meeting on June 19, called on Myanmar to take appropriate action against fraud
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), following the conclusion of its plenary meeting on June 19, called on Myanmar to take appropriate action against fraud and cyber scam networks, and protect the victims of trafficking by criminal groups. The statement assumes significance given that hundreds of job-seeking Indians have been duped and trafficked to Myanmar where they have been forced to work in cyber scam hubs. Government data shared in the Rajya Sabha in February 2026 said that 2,168 Indians have been rescued from Myanmar since 2022.
Myanmar has been in the global anti-money laundering/terror financing watchdog’s blacklist since October 2022. The FATF noted that fraud and cyber scam activities in the country remained extensive and presented significant illicit finance risks, despite steps taken to tackle such operations. “In tackling these illicit finance threats, Myanmar should have due regard for the victims of trafficking by criminal groups,” the FATF said. The international watchdog said Myanmar should urgently work to further implement its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including increasing operational analysis and dissemination by the Financial Intelligence Unit, and ensuring that money laundering is investigated and prosecuted in line with risks.
In February 2020, Myanmar had committed to address its strategic deficiencies then highlighted by the FATF. The action plan expired in September 2021. In October 2022, the country was placed on its “High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action” list and remains subject to enhanced countermeasures. Earlier, amid continued international scrutiny over cyber scam operations, the Myanmar military intensified the crackdown on syndicates in January 2025. In mid-October 2025, the scam hubs located in K.K. Park of Myawaddy, a massive compound located on the border with Thailand, were raided.
Over 2,000 people were detained, while about 1,500 reportedly crossed over to Thailand. More than 450 Indian citizens were also brought back to India. Between January and November 2025, the Myanmar military reportedly detained over 11,000 foreign nationals from various scam hubs, most of whom were repatriated through Thailand.
The BriefWire