The Extraordinary Rise of Cybercrime Operations in Myanmar

Abstract

The rise of cybercrime in Myanmar, especially after the 2021 military coup, has placed the country in the spotlight as an emerging hub for transnational online scams and gambling operations. This situation has its origins in the Mekong sub-region's history of transnational crime and illicit economic activities within the Golden Triangle area, and was exacerbated first by the pandemic, and then by the political instability in Myanmar after the 2021 coup. The Myanmar military's relations with non-state actors (ethnic armed organizations and border guard forces) further complicate efforts to combat these crimes. ASEAN's response, while aimed at addressing the issue, faces challenges due to political and sovereignty issues. The case study examines the factors that hinder or help effective cooperation both within Myanmar and regionally to tackle the growing transnational cybercrime menace.