U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Burmese War Criminal and Ethnic Militia Due to Fraudulent Operations and Human Exploitation
Updated Article:
Posted on: May 9, 2025, 12:42h.
Last updated on: May 9, 2025, 12:42h.
Published by Phil Conneller @casinoorgphilc | Read More
Gaming Business β’ Regulation β’ Tribal Gaming β’ Cyber Scams β’ US Sanctions
The Treasury Department has cracked down on the Karen National Army (KNA) and its leader, warlord Saw Chit Thu, for facilitating cyber scams, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling operations.
The Karen National Army, an ethnic militia based in Kayin (Karen) State, Myanmar, is also known for its business ventures in the illegal gambling industry and scam centers.
The KNA controls key strongholds along the Thai border, known as havens for cyber scam operations and gambling houses. These operations frequently exploit trafficked individuals under duress to carry out fraud schemes.
Billions Lost to Scams
2023 saw Americans lose over $3.5 billion to scams linked to criminal networks operating in Myanmar and neighboring countries, a significant increase from the previous year. According to Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender, the cyber scam operations, like those facilitated by the KNA, generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins at the expense of their victims.
Sanctions and Consequences
The Treasury sanctions targeted the KNA's leadership, including Brigadier General Saw Chit Thu, and his sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit. Assets held by the group in the U.S. have been frozen, and Americans are forbidden from conducting business with the KNA. Foreign companies continuing to work with the group could also face repercussions.
History and Alliances
Originally a part of the Karen insurgent movement, the KNA emerged following a 2009 ceasefire, aligning with the Myanmar junta for greater regional autonomy. In 2024, the group split from the junta and resumed its fight against the Burmese government, maintaining thousands of fighters and operating in inaccessible jungle and mountainous terrain.
US's Broader Efforts Against Crime
The U.S. sanctions followed actions already taken by the UK and EU. The sanctions against the KNA are part of broader U.S. efforts to combat transnational crime in Southeast Asia, as estimates suggest that cyber scams emanating from the region caused financial losses of over $2 billion in 2022 and $3.5 billion in 2023.
- The Karen National Army (KNA) and its leader, Saw Chit Thu, are under scrutiny by the Treasury Department for their involvement in cyber scams, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling operations.
- The KNA, an ethnic militia based in Myanmar's Kayin State, is also known for its involvement in the illegal gambling industry and scam centers.
- The KNA controls key strongholds along the Thai border, where criminal operations, including cyber scam centers and gambling houses, are rampant.
- In 2023, Americans lost over $3.5 billion to scams linked to criminal networks operational in Myanmar and neighboring countries, a significant increase from the previous year.
- The Treasury sanctions targeted the KNA's leadership, including Brigadier General Saw Chit Thu, his sons, and their related assets holdings in the U.S. have been frozen.
- The U.S. sanctions against the KNA are part of broader efforts to combat transnational crime in Southeast Asia, following actions already taken by the UK and EU.
- In General News and Crime & Justice sections, you can find updates on the US sanctions on Myanmar scam centers, the Karen National Army, and related cybercrime trends in the casino-and-gambling industry.
