US EditionMyanmar Scam Cities Booming Despite Crackdown—Using Musk's Starlink
Fraud centres in Myanmar use Starlink to expand rapidly despite crackdowns, with up to 120,000 people forced into scams, UN reports and US Congress investigates Starlink's role.
- On Oct 14, AFP found scam centres in Myanmar expanding fast months after a February crackdown, with satellite images showing rapid construction at KK Park between March and September.
- Experts say Chinese-led crime syndicates run centres with pro-junta Myanmar militias in the Golden Triangle, using forced labour per a UN report estimating up to 120,000 workers and freeing around 7,000 in February.
- Elon Musk's Starlink became Myanmar's top internet provider every day from July 3 until October 1, APNIC Asian regional internet registry data shows, with nearly 80 dishes visible on one KK Park roof.
- Amid growing scrutiny, the US Congress Joint Economic Committee has opened an investigation into Starlink's links, with senators asking Musk for answers, while the US sanctioned nine people connected to Shwe Kokko and China sentenced 11 syndicate members last month.
- Victims told AFP they faced beatings and trafficking, with Sun sold for 650,000 Thai baht, while Ruser warned, `As long as the junta enables and fuels this industry, I think it's only ever going to be a game of cat and mouse.
65 Articles
65 Articles
A U.S. Congress commission opened an investigation into Starlink, led by Elon Musk. The satellite Internet service would be used to connect to scam centres in Burma. Americans are a growing target for cyber-fraud networks, with losses estimated at $10 billion in 2024. - Starlink: The U.S. Congress is investigating scam centres in Burma (International).
Myanmar scam centres booming despite crackdown, using Musk's Starlink
MAE SOT, Thailand: Scam centres in Myanmar blamed for swindling billions from victims across the world are expanding fast just months after a crackdown that was supposed to eradicate them, an AFP investigation has found.New buildings have been springing up inside the heavily guarded
Malay Mail
AlKhaleej TodayMyanmar scam centres booming again despite crackdown, now powered by Musk’s Starlink
MAE SOT (Thailand), Oct 14 — Scam centres in Myanmar blamed for swindling billions from victims across the world are expanding fast just months after a crackdown that was supposed to eradicate them, an AFP investigation has found.New buildings have been springing up inside the heavily guarded compounds around Myawaddy on the Thailand-Myanmar border at a dizzying pace, with others festooned with dishes for Elon Musk’s Starlink service, satellite …
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