TLDR
- Myanmar authorities arrested 7 suspects, 2 men and 5 women, in Yangon and Mandalay Regions.
- The arrests targeted senior agents linked to online gambling networks, including one tied to Ibet 789.
- A senior Ibet 789 agent was arrested at Yangon International Airport on September 2.
- Officials seized 13 mobile phones, 1 computer, 1 tablet, and 3 vehicles across the operations.
- Legal action has been opened against all 7 suspects as investigations continue.
Authorities in Myanmar have arrested 7 people accused of running or supporting online gambling operations. The arrests took place across Yangon and Mandalay Regions.
Officials said the operation was part of a wider effort to stop illegal online gambling in the country. They pointed to financial losses and social harm linked to these activities.
The suspects include 2 men and 5 women. Cases have been filed against each of them, and legal proceedings are underway.
According to authorities, online gambling operators built networks using different levels of agents. These agents were responsible for recruiting new players and growing the business.
Airport Arrest Targets Ibet 789 Agent
On September 2, officials arrested Senior Agent Phyo Theingi at Yangon International Airport. She is linked to the online gambling platform Ibet 789.
Police seized 2 mobile phones from her during the arrest. Authorities have not shared further details about her specific role within the operation.
On the same day, officers arrested Senior Agent Hnin Wut Yi Kyaw and 2 other suspects. This arrest happened at a residence in Ward 5, PyinOoLwin, in Mandalay Region.
During that raid, authorities confiscated 8 mobile phones, a laptop, a tablet, and a vehicle. Officials say the items were connected to online gambling activity.
The September 2 arrests accounted for 4 of the 7 total suspects taken into custody during this operation.
Additional Arrests Follow in Yangon
Two days later, on September 4, authorities carried out more arrests in Yangon Region. Senior Agent Kyaw Soe Lin was arrested at the Mandarin Hotel in Hlinethaya Township.
Officers seized 2 mobile phones and 2 vehicles during this arrest.
Later that day, Senior Agent Yin Yin Nu was arrested at a house in Anawma-1 Ward, Thakayta Township. Police confiscated 1 mobile phone at the scene.
With this arrest, the total number of suspects in custody reached 7.
Authorities say senior agents were prioritized for arrest. Officials believe these agents played a central part in managing the gambling networks and recruiting players.
In total, officials seized 13 mobile phones, 1 computer, 1 tablet, and 3 vehicles across all four locations. These included the airport, the PyinOoLwin residence, the Mandarin Hotel, and the Thakayta house.
Authorities have not said whether the seized devices will be examined for further evidence. They also have not released additional details about what the phones or computer may contain.
Officials describe the items as materials allegedly used to run the gambling networks. The volume of devices seized shows how much these operations relied on phones and other electronic tools.
The investigation remains focused on the agents and the networks they built. Authorities have not announced whether more arrests are expected.
