The Myanmar government has initiated the second phase of its demolition campaign targeting buildings used for online fraud and gambling in the Shwe Kokko area, continuing its broader crackdown on illicit activities in the region. The effort began yesterday as part of a multi-phase plan to eradicate unauthorized structures facilitating these operations.

Authorities have focused on Shwe Kokko and the nearby KK Park area due to their concentration of illegal online schemes. So far, inspections have uncovered 140 unauthorized buildings in Shwe Kokko linked to online fraud and gambling activities. Of these, 77 buildings were demolished during the initial phase in late July, while demolition of the remaining 63 structures is currently underway.

The demolition methods for the Phase II buildings have been determined based on their locations and structural features. Twenty-five buildings are being brought down using heavy machinery, four are scheduled for controlled implosions, and 34 structures situated near residential areas are being dismantled manually, floor by floor, to minimize disruption. Among the buildings currently being demolished is a five-story structure designated for mechanical demolition.

Parallel operations in KK Park examined 635 unauthorized buildings involved in similar illicit activities. The government has planned to completely demolish all these structures through a three-phase process, with full completion anticipated by January 2026.

The campaign is driven by concerns over the socioeconomic and national security threats posed by online scams and fraudulent gambling operations, which frequently involve cross-border criminal networks. To address this, Myanmar’s government has been coordinating closely with domestic agencies—including security forces and administrative bodies—as well as with neighboring governments. This cooperation aims to enhance intelligence gathering, enforce inspections, dismantle scam syndicates, and prevent the re-establishment of such operations within Myanmar.

Officials emphasize a comprehensive approach that targets not only the physical infrastructure but also the underlying networks operating in remote border areas. The government’s coordinated efforts underscore its commitment to curbing online fraud and gambling activities and restoring stability to the affected regions.