Authorities in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone said they found no evidence of telecommunications fraud operations during an inspection on 29 May, state media reported on 3 June.
Officers from the zone’s Police Command and Security Department inspected buildings across four sectors, covering 48 neighborhoods.
According to authorities, officers found no groups involved in telecom fraud or online scam activities. They reported only a small number of Myanmar nationals living with their families as building caretakers, while some Chinese nationals were staying in hotels and apartments.
Officials said weekly inspections will continue. If credible information points to telecom fraud or related criminal activity, authorities said they will investigate and prosecute those involved under Lao law.
The latest inspection follows a 30 April visit by Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany, who called for stronger enforcement, improved capacity, and continued training to prevent scam networks from re-establishing.
The inspection comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Golden Triangle SEZ in recent years as Laos and neighboring countries have stepped up efforts to combat online scam networks and other forms of transnational crime.
In February, authorities reported that tax revenue in the zone fell nearly 49 percent in 2025 after 551 businesses ceased operations. Total tax revenue dropped to LAK 32.27 billion (USD 1.5 million), down from LAK 127.73 billion (USD 6 million) the previous year.
Officials attributed the decline to business closures, delayed business surveys, and tax collection challenges. More than 1,200 businesses renewed their registrations during the year, while authorities issued 165 new taxpayer identification numbers.
Since 2023, authorities have arrested nearly 2,800 suspects from 27 nationalities in connection with telecommunications fraud and related crimes in the zone.
Officials have since announced plans to strengthen oversight, improve tax compliance, and expand monitoring of business activities within the zone as part of broader efforts to improve governance and transparency.


