The Karen National Union (KNU) has accused the military junta, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), and the Border Guard Force (BGF) of staging a superficial crackdown on cyber scam operations rather than dismantling the criminal networks.
In a statement issued on July 31, the KNU said the military junta’s claim that it had raided cyber scam compounds in the Kyaukkhat area was misleading.
According to the KNU, the operation actually took place about 36 miles from Kyaukkhat, at a cyber scam compound on the western side of the Hpalulay mountain range under the supervision of the DKBA’s Chief of Staff.
The KNU said the compound was only one of several new cyber scam sites established after operators relocated from KK Park and Shwe Kokko during earlier military raids that it described as staged operations.
According to the statement, Kyaukkhat, located near the Thai-Myanmar border, is home to the internationally notorious Tai Chang online scam complex.
The compound is allegedly overseen by Major General Sai Kyaw Hla, a senior DKBA commander, chairman of the group’s Central Economic Committee, and an individual sanctioned by the United States.
The KNU alleged that the military junta carried out the raid to create the appearance of taking action against a cyber scam hub that has attracted growing international attention and scrutiny.
It also accused the military junta, the BGF, and the DKBA of conducting symbolic raids by arresting lower-level workers rather than those responsible for leading the criminal operations.
According to the KNU, buildings are demolished only after people have been relocated in advance, creating the impression of enforcement while allowing the scam networks to continue operating.
The statement said these actions do not eliminate cyber scam operations but instead facilitate their expansion into other parts of Karen State and beyond.
The KNU further alleged that, with protection and support from the DKBA and the BGF, cyber scam operators have been relocating in large numbers to inland areas farther from the Thai border, posing a growing threat to the safety and security of local communities.
The KNU said it would not tolerate online scam operations or other criminal activities in areas under its control and would take action against offenders in accordance with its criminal laws.
IMNA