Military Operations and Border Conflict
Explosions have been reported along the Moei River, which delineates the border between Thailand and Myanmar. These incidents are linked to the presence of online scam compounds, operated by organizations identified as Chinese crime syndicates, which have become prevalent in Karen State over the past two years.
General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the Myanmar military junta, has stated the military's objective is to completely eradicate online scam activities. This initiative takes place amidst ongoing internal conflict stemming from the 2021 military coup.
Actions in Karen State
Following territorial losses to insurgent groups, the military junta launched counter-attacks, reinforced by new conscripts and equipment, including drones, from countries like Russia and China. In Karen State, the military advanced against the Karen National Union (KNU), a long-standing adversary. In late October, military forces entered KK Park, a prominent scam compound in Karen State.
Thousands of foreign individuals, involved in online fraud schemes either voluntarily or due to trafficking and forced labor, were displaced from KK Park. The military released videos depicting the confiscation of mobile phones, computers, and Starlink satellite dishes. Buildings within KK Park have been subsequently demolished using explosives.
Context and International Pressure
For several years, Myanmar's military authorities had not intervened in the expanding scam operations along the Thai border. Local militias allied with the military have been reported as protectors and business partners of the Chinese scam operators, with some financial benefits reportedly reaching the ruling generals. The junta has attributed responsibility for the scams to the KNU; however, the KNU denies involvement, and reports do not substantiate this claim.
Globally, billions of dollars have been lost to these scams, which encompass romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and investment schemes originating from these centers. In Southeast Asia, these online fraud operations are associated with human trafficking, money laundering, and human rights abuses. International concern has escalated, leading to coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies. The United States has established a multi-agency anti-scam task force. China, a close ally of the Myanmar military junta, has consistently pressured Myanmar to address the issue, as thousands of Chinese citizens have been victims of both online fraud and trafficking.
Reports in Myanmar state media showcasing the military's actions in KK Park suggest a response to this international pressure.
Scope and Challenges of Operations
Despite the demolitions at KK Park, observations suggest the infrastructure for scamming operations there may remain partially functional. Military operations have primarily concentrated on this single compound, with dozens of other scam centers reportedly active. While a raid on Shwe Kokko, another scam city, occurred, only a few buildings were entered, and only one has been demolished to date.
Thousands of foreign scam workers have departed KK Park and Shwe Kokko, with many relocating across the Moei River to Thailand or scattering to various other locations within Myanmar. Transportation costs for these movements have increased. It is reported that key scam operators may have relocated their businesses to more remote, less visible areas further south along the border.
KNU's Intervention in Minletpan
In Minletpan, a town featuring two newly constructed scam compounds, Shunda and Baoili, situated by the river and controlled by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a militia allied with the junta, a separate incident unfolded. On November 21, KNU fighters, engaged in combat with the army, encountered fire from DKBA forces in Minletpan. The KNU subsequently engaged the DKBA, gaining control of the two scam centers and approximately 1,000 foreign workers.
The KNU announced its intention to invite journalists and international law enforcement to inspect the captured compounds and published documentation detailing the scam operations. This approach contrasts with the military's method of demolishing facilities. Hundreds of workers were transferred across the river to Thailand, but approximately 1,000, primarily Chinese nationals, reportedly declined to leave, citing potential prosecution upon returning to China. International interest in the KNU-controlled compounds remained limited. Subsequently, junta forces began shelling the area in an attempt to retake the compounds. Many remaining scam workers and local residents have since relocated to avoid artillery exchanges, with some sheltering under tarpaulins on the river bank.