Myanmar junta raids scam compound, seizes 30 Starlink receivers

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Investigations uncover an increased use of Elon Musk-owned internet satellites in the billion-dollar black market.

YANGON:

 Myanmar’s junta raided one of the country’s most notorious internet scam centres and seized Starlink devices, it said Monday, after an AFP investigation revealed an explosion in their use in the billion-dollar black market.

State media The Global New Light of Myanmar said the military “conducted operations in KK Park near Myanmar-Thai border” and had “seized 30 sets of Starlink receivers and accessories”.

Internet sweat shops where workers scam unsuspecting foreigners with business or romance schemes have thrived in war-ravaged Myanmar’s lawless border regions.

This year a transnational push by Thai, Chinese and Myanmar authorities resulted in a huge crackdown releasing thousands of workers, many who say they were trafficked to work in the compounds.

But an AFP investigation this month revealed rapid new construction at scam centre sites and devices using Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service Starlink being installed on their roofs.