CNI News

January 21, 2026

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, stated that some Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) are currently engaging in online fraud and gambling operations (locally known as Zha Pian) and the production of narcotics.

He made these remarks on January 20, 2026, during a meeting with officers, soldiers, and their families at the Eastern Central Command in Kholam, Shan State.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said, "It is necessary to systematically carry out stability, security, and law enforcement operations within the Eastern Central Command area. Historically, some EAOs in this command area have had a habit of encroaching beyond their designated territories and initiating battles. Furthermore, it is observed that they are now also engaging in online fraud, gambling, and narcotic production."

He added that combating these online scams and drug production activities must be undertaken as a national duty to ensure such activities do not exist within the command's jurisdiction.

While the Senior General mentioned "some EAOs," he did not explicitly name any specific armed groups during his speech.

However, on January 11, 2026, Naypyidaw released a statement reporting the seizure of equipment used in drug manufacturing and online fraud operations within Hsipaw and Mongyai townships in northern Shan State. The statement claimed that some members of the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP/SSA) and equipment bearing their badges were captured at those locations.

Similarly, Naypyidaw has issued statements regarding the seizure of narcotics belonging to the Arakan Army (AA) and various People’s Defense Forces (PDF) across Rakhine State, Chin State, Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, and Magway Region.

Furthermore, individuals involved in online fraud and gambling have also been arrested in areas of Kayin State controlled by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), the Border Guard Force (BGF), and the Karen National Union (KNU).