Myanmar authorities have continued demolishing illegal buildings allegedly connected to online scam and gambling operations, according to state media reports.
A joint task force made up of security personnel, local authorities, and administrative officials has been carrying out inspections, raids, and clearance operations in areas including Shwe Kokko and KK Park. These locations have been widely identified as major centers for online fraud and gambling-related activities.
Authorities said 635 illegal buildings in KK Park had already been identified and demolished in phases. Officials claimed the purpose of the demolitions was to prevent scam networks from returning and rebuilding their operations in the area.
In Shwe Kokko, officials reportedly inspected 322 buildings and found 77 allegedly linked to online scam businesses. Of those, 57 buildings were selected for demolition using heavy machinery, while 20 others are scheduled for controlled demolition with explosives.
On May 25, two four-story buildings connected to alleged scam operations were demolished. This followed the earlier demolition of a 13-story building. Authorities said 74 more illegal buildings still remain to be destroyed in the area.
The Myanmar government stated that it will continue working with domestic organizations and neighboring countries to eliminate online scam operations from the country.
However, the demolitions also raise serious questions. While officials describe the campaign as a crackdown on illegal scam centers, destroying the buildings may also remove important evidence. These sites could contain information about who operated, financed, protected, or benefited from the scam networks.
Some observers may question whether the destruction of these buildings makes it harder for investigators, including international agencies, to examine the full scale of the operations. If evidence is destroyed before a transparent investigation takes place, many questions may remain unanswered.
For Myanmar and the wider region, the issue is not only about demolishing buildings. It is also about accountability, evidence, and whether the people behind these criminal networks will ever be fully exposed.