The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has announced the arrest and subsequent handover of 16 Chinese nationals to Chinese authorities for operating illegal online scam operations in Kutkai, northern Shan State. According to the TNLA’s official statement, these individuals were operating from Shawk Haw village in Kutkai Township before their arrest.
The handover took place at a border checkpoint in Namkham Township at 11:30 AM on August 8, facilitated by the TNLA Namkham Township police force. The arrested individuals have been identified as Xian Tian Hui, Xian Hong, Xiong Sun Xu, Xiong Ni, Xiong Au Po, Xiong Chun Ping, Ma Fan, Wang Yan Qing, Hu Lei Shan, Wei Xiao Rong, Ren Qian Feng, Wang Xin Ye, Hao Xing Li, Lian Liao, Shi Qin Rong, and Li Sai Feng.
Prior to this incident, on June 10, the TNLA had also transferred 12 other Chinese nationals to Chinese authorities after arresting them for similar online scam operations in Namkham, Kutkai, and Namtu townships. The TNLA has stated that they are actively working to combat illegal financial fraud and online scam operations in the region. These operations are reported to have negative impacts on the economic and social well-being of local communities, and the TNLA has committed to continuing their efforts to suppress such illegal activities.
