KPL
Police authorities in Bokeo Province have intensified efforts to combat transnational cybercrime, detaining 230 suspects linked to telecommunications fraud operations, commonly known as “call centre” scam gangs, during a week-long crackdown conducted from May 4–11, 2026.
According to a source from the Bokeo Provincial Public Security Office, coordinated operations were carried out in Houayxay District and Tonpheung District, targeting organised scam networks accused of conducting online and phone-based fraud activities. Authorities also confiscated a large number of computers, mobile phones and SIM cards believed to have been used in the illegal operations.
In Houayxay District, police detained 71 suspects in two separate operations. On May 4, authorities arrested 47 individuals, including 36 Chinese nationals, one of whom was female, and 11 Myanmar nationals, including two women. A second operation on May 5 led to the arrest of 24 more suspects, comprising 17 Chinese nationals, including one woman, and seven Myanmar nationals, including four women.
In Tonpheung District, police expanded the investigation and launched additional raids on May 11, detaining 159 individuals suspected of involvement in the scam network. Those detained included 106 Lao nationals, among them 43 women; 34 Myanmar nationals, including 11 women; nine Chinese nationals; five Philippine nationals, including four women; four Malaysians; and one Indonesian national.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the criminal network and pursue legal action against those involved in accordance with Lao law.
The latest crackdown highlights the continuing threat posed by transnational organised crime groups operating through sophisticated international networks. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious job offers promising easy income, scam phone calls from unfamiliar numbers, and online requests for personal information.
KPL
