Laos Hands Over 196 Chinese and Thai Nationals Amid Nationwide Online Scam Crackdown
Laos Hands Over 196 Chinese and Thai Nationals Amid Nationwide Online Scam Crackdown
VIENTIANE, Oct. 5, 2026 — Laos handed 196 Chinese and Thai nationals back to authorities in their respective countries on October 1 as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on cybercrime, telecom fraud and online scam operations.
The handovers took place in two separate operations in Bokeo Province. Of the 196 people, 189 face allegations linked to cybercrime or telecom fraud, while seven were accused of illegally entering Laos.
At the Boten-Mohan International Checkpoint in Luang Namtha Province, Lao authorities handed 118 Chinese nationals to Chinese authorities. The group included 113 people accused of cybercrime and five accused of illegal entry. They are expected to face deportation and further legal proceedings in China.
Later the same day, 78 Thai nationals were handed over to Thai authorities at the Fourth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Thai authorities will handle the cases following the transfer. Among them, 76 are accused of working with call-centre scam gangs, while two face allegations of illegal entry.
Lao authorities also transferred equipment seized during the operations, including 107 desktop computers, dozens of mobile phones and three tablets.
Recent Handovers and Raids
The Bokeo transfers are part of a broader series of operations carried out by Lao authorities in recent weeks.
In Vientiane, authorities handed 25 Thai nationals, including 11 women, to Thai police on September 30 at the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. They face allegations involving cybercrime and online gambling.
Another 129 Thai nationals were transferred to Thai authorities at the same bridge on September 17.
Meanwhile, police in Savannakhet Province conducted raids targeting suspected illegal activities.
On September 28, officers raided two rental properties in Kaysone Phomvihane City, detaining 17 people.
At a property in Phonsavang Tai Village, police detained 14 Chinese nationals and one Lao national and seized 38 desktop computers and 41 smartphones.
At a second property in Sanamxay Village, police detained two Lao nationals and seized kratom leaves and 22,963 bottles of cough syrup.
The latest operations form part of a much broader crackdown that has expanded across Laos this year. Since January, Lao authorities have detained more than 6,200 suspected scammers from more than 25 nationalities, according to the information provided.
