Myanmar's Military Cracks Down on Notorious Cybercrime Compound
The military government of Myanmar has launched a major raid on a notorious cybercrime compound near the Thai border, detaining over 2,200 people and seizing dozens of Starlink satellite internet terminals. The operation, which began in early September, aims to suppress online fraud, illegal gambling, and cross-border cybercrime.
According to reports from state media, the military targeted KK Park, a well-documented hub for cybercrime activities. The compound is notorious for recruiting workers from other countries under false pretences, promising them legitimate jobs before holding them captive and forcing them to carry out criminal activities.
The raid resulted in the seizure of 30 sets of Starlink equipment, which was smuggled into Myanmar despite not having licensed operations in the country. The military government also claimed that over 260 buildings at the compound were unregistered, further implicating the authorities in corruption.
Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the military government, accused top leaders of the Karen National Union of being involved in the scam projects at KK Park. However, the group denies any involvement, with their representatives stating that they have been targeted unfairly by the allegations.
The crackdown on cybercrime operations is not new to Myanmar, which has seen several raids and arrests in recent months. In February, Thailand and Myanmar launched an operation to release thousands of trafficked people from scam compounds, working with ethnic armed groups that rule Myanmar's border areas.
The move comes after sanctions were imposed by the US and UK on alleged organisers of a major Cambodian cybercrime gang, and its ringleader was indicted by a federal court in New York. The international community has long been critical of Myanmar's tolerance for cybercrime activities, which have defrauded people around the world.
The raid on KK Park highlights the ongoing struggle to combat cybercrime in Myanmar, where corruption and lack of regulation create an environment conducive to illicit activity. As the military government continues to crack down on cybercrime operations, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to a significant reduction in these activities or simply drive them underground.
The military government of Myanmar has launched a major raid on a notorious cybercrime compound near the Thai border, detaining over 2,200 people and seizing dozens of Starlink satellite internet terminals. The operation, which began in early September, aims to suppress online fraud, illegal gambling, and cross-border cybercrime.
According to reports from state media, the military targeted KK Park, a well-documented hub for cybercrime activities. The compound is notorious for recruiting workers from other countries under false pretences, promising them legitimate jobs before holding them captive and forcing them to carry out criminal activities.
The raid resulted in the seizure of 30 sets of Starlink equipment, which was smuggled into Myanmar despite not having licensed operations in the country. The military government also claimed that over 260 buildings at the compound were unregistered, further implicating the authorities in corruption.
Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the military government, accused top leaders of the Karen National Union of being involved in the scam projects at KK Park. However, the group denies any involvement, with their representatives stating that they have been targeted unfairly by the allegations.
The crackdown on cybercrime operations is not new to Myanmar, which has seen several raids and arrests in recent months. In February, Thailand and Myanmar launched an operation to release thousands of trafficked people from scam compounds, working with ethnic armed groups that rule Myanmar's border areas.
The move comes after sanctions were imposed by the US and UK on alleged organisers of a major Cambodian cybercrime gang, and its ringleader was indicted by a federal court in New York. The international community has long been critical of Myanmar's tolerance for cybercrime activities, which have defrauded people around the world.
The raid on KK Park highlights the ongoing struggle to combat cybercrime in Myanmar, where corruption and lack of regulation create an environment conducive to illicit activity. As the military government continues to crack down on cybercrime operations, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to a significant reduction in these activities or simply drive them underground.