Phyo/Thuta Kyaw (NSS) - Sep 1

A source in Muse told the Statesman Journal that online scam operations from Muse Township in northern Shan State are still active in an MNDAA-controlled area, where nightclubs are even being opened for scammers.

As the government cracked down on online scams in Muse, scam operations have decreased in the urban area, according to the source. 

He said, “Scams are harder to find in Muse. They have all moved to 5-Mile, Nam Wai and Nam Naung. Scam operations are abundant in those areas, and KTVs and nightclubs have been opened in the jungle. The main purpose is to provide entertainment for the scammers.”

He said that this is because those areas are under the control of the MNDAA and SSPP.

This is yet to be confirmed by The Statesman as it has not received any photographic evidence, but another source in northern Shan State confirmed it.

He said, “There is evidence that they don't operate in the town anymore and turn back to the countryside. As the MNDAA is getting profits from those sites, they are pretending not to know. They must have an agreement between them," he said.

However, the MNDAA claimed that the reason for launching the attack on Special Region (1) was to combat online fraud.

The NSPNC and SSPP met twice in Nay Pyi Taw. During the first meeting, they agreed to work closely with local government officials to combat online fraud and drug trafficking, while the government emphasized the need to work together for regional stability and development and move to the next level to build long-term, sustainable peace. –