US sanctions loyalists
The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a militia loyal to the ruling Myanmar government.
Washington alleges the Karen National Army (KNA) operates a network of illegal casino, gambling, human trafficking, and scam center operations. The sanctions against the KNA include its commander Colonel Saw Chit Thu and his sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit.
generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins”
Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender announced the action last week. He stated cyber scam networks like those allegedly run by the KNA “generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins and their associates, while depriving victims of their hard-earned savings and sense of security.”
“Treasury is committed to using all available tools to disrupt these networks and hold accountable those who seek to profit from these criminal schemes,” Faulkender warned.
Bigger picture
The sanctioning of one of Myanmar’s main ethnic military groups loyal to Acting President Min Aung Hlaing will give renewed hope to rebels fighting to overthrow a regime accused of committing ongoing genocide against the country’s Muslim Rohingya people.
A former five-star Burmese Army General, Min Aung Hlaing has ruled Myanmar as Prime Minister since 2021 and has commanded the country’s military since 2010.
deliberate act of abasement by a powerful country”
According to the Associated Press, a KNA spokesperson denied the militia was involved in cyber scams. The KNA instead declared the sanctions imposed on it by Washington “a deliberate act of abasement by a powerful country over a weaker one.”
“They are doing it because they can,” said the KNA’s Lieutenant Colonel Naing Maung Zaw.
The EU and the UK have already sanctioned Karen warlord Saw Chit Thu for allegedly profiting from scam compounds and human trafficking.
Net closing in?
The likes of pro-government militia like the KNA accused of running protection for the scam centers have come under increased scrutiny since China and Thailand brought political pressure to bear in February.
Hundreds were freed from scam compounds shortly afterwards, with Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation issuing arrest warrants for three KNA commanders, including Saw Chit Thu.
The warlord brokered a deal with a Chinese firm in 2017 to build Shwe Kokko in Myanmar, a new city Washington claims is home to scam operations generating billions in illicit revenue.
