US Targets Junta-Linked Militia in Myanmar Over ‘Scam Compounds’

The US sanctioned a militia in Myanmar linked to the ruling junta for supporting and profiting from cyber scams “on an industrial scale” that have cost Americans billions of dollars.

The US Treasury Department on Monday said it sanctioned the Karen National Army, which operates in Myanmar’s southeast Kayin state bordering Thailand, as well as its leader, Saw Chit Thu, and his two sons.

According to Treasury, the group leases land to organized crime groups and provides support for large-scale operations including security and electricity for “scam compounds,” as well as human trafficking and smuggling.

Cybercrime syndicates — multibillion-dollar crypto ...