Your account has been succesfully created.

EN FR

The Morning Brief
Log in

Password

Keep me logged in

Forgot your password?
Subscribe

Spotlight, Deep Dive | Myanmar
Exclusive: How foreign legionnaires got caught in the Burmese quagmire

Read this article in our Deep Dive:
European mercenaries in Myanmar

European mercenaries in Myanmar, part 1/4 – On 27 October 2023, twelve foreigners were captured by an ethnic rebel group near Laukkai in northern Myanmar. Most of these men were former French legionnaires, but two were still on active duty. Using exclusive testimonies, Intelligence Online has pieced together the story of these "military contractors" who have unwittingly found themselves at the heart of the Burmese civil war. [...]

Published on 26/05/2025 at 04:00 GMT Reading time 9 minutes Louis Raymond

This article is free

Create an account to read more

Do you want a free trial before subscribing?

create a free account

France, Myanmar, Thailand
French cyber police step up efforts against Myanmar-based scammers

Following on from US sanctions, the French interior ministry is taking action against Myanmar cybercriminals, including trying to stop them accessing French citizens' personal data.

Subscribers only Cybersecurity 22.01.2026

Mobile phones, computers and equipment seized from complexes used for online scams displayed at a press conference in Yangon, Myanmar, on 14 December 2025.

The Agencies' Gazette
SGDSN audited, UK Foreign Office cuts, Italy inspired by Viginum, Myanmar mercenaries, Solomon Islands compromises

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community.

FranceSGDSN audit launched

United KingdomForeign Office plans drastic cuts

ItalyRome looks to France to fight foreign interference

EstoniaBook published on ex-legionnaires' adventures in Myanmar

China/AustraliaThe Solomon Islands reach middle ground in Pacific standoff

Subscribers only 24.11.2025

Spy Way of Life | Laos
Vientiane's Five April International Shooting Range draws Chinese firms, Russian generals

Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online explores the Laotian capital's Five April International Shooting Range and its adjoining hotel.

Subscribers only Defence 31.10.2025

The Five April International Shooting Range in Vientiane is a site for Laos's secret diplomacy with China and Russia.

Cambodia, France
Family of former French treasury official killed in Bangkok campaign in Paris and Brussels

The family of murdered Franco-Cambodian politician Lim Kimya, who was killed on 7 January in Bangkok, is campaigning for Brussels to raise customs tariffs on Cambodia, which is suspected of being behind the assassination.

Subscribers only Back-door diplomacy 16.05.2025

Myanmar, United States
Myanmar opposition counting on well-connected US businessman to cozy up to Trump administration

John Todoroki, who previously fled Myanmar after a cannabis arrest, recently signed a contract to support the opposition's efforts against the Junta.

Subscribers only Corporate Intel 01.05.2025

Thailand
Thai intelligence seeks to strengthen cyber capacities to counter China

Courted by both sides in China-US regional influence battles, Thailand's national intelligence agency is trying to beef up its capacities, with little success so far despite growing threats.

Subscribers only Operations 13.03.2025

Israel, Thailand
Top Thai intelligence veteran's anti-Semitic remarks neglect Israeli role in cyber intel

In calling for stronger controls on foreigners, including "Jews", entering Thailand, former Thai intelligence heavyweight Nantiwat Samart is quick to forget the weight of Israeli cyber solutions in his country's intelligence toolbox.

Subscribers only Operations 31.01.2025

Cambodia, China, France, Myanmar
Chinese security networks: the secret story of French ex-legionnaires detained in Myanmar's civil war

Intelligence Online has identified three former French servicemen among the employees of a private security company arrested a year ago in Myanmar. By retracing their employer's Chinese partnerships, it is possible to follow the path that led them to civil war-torn Laukkai, and right up to the negotiations that enabled them to leave the country.

Subscribers only Operations 02.01.2025

Employees of a private security company at the 36 Manor International Sport Hotel in Laos.