Introduction
The fraudulent networks in Myanmar, accused of defrauding billions of dollars from people worldwide, are rapidly expanding and now utilize antennas from Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, according to an AFP investigation.
The Expansion of Fraudulent Centers
Despite government pressure to shut them down, the construction of these complexes continues unabated in Myawaddy, near Myanmar’s border with Thailand. Satellite images and drone recordings by AFP illustrate the expansion of these centers, showing long rows of Starlink antennas on some rooftops.
The Golden Triangle, a remote frontier region between Myanmar, Thailand, China, and Laos, is a hotspot for opium and methamphetamine production, drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal gambling, and money laundering. Criminal organizations, primarily Chinese, employ hundreds of thousands of workers, often under forced labor conditions.
The Human Cost
A high-ranking Thai police official estimated in March that at least 100,000 people were working in these complexes along the Myanmar border. Some of these workers, originating from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, have shown journalists their scars from beatings inflicted by those running these networks.
Starlink’s Involvement
Approximately 7,000 people, mostly Chinese, were freed in operations against these call centers accused of forced labor and human trafficking. Under pressure from China, Thailand, and Myanmar, militia allies of the military junta promised to “eradicate” these fraud centers in February.
However, just weeks after these police operations, construction resumed at several centers along the Moei River, which forms the border with Thailand. Satellite images show that parabolic Starlink antennas have proliferated in recent months to compensate for internet outages imposed by Thai authorities.
Starlink, Musk’s company, became one of the two primary internet access providers in Myanmar by mid-June, according to the Asia-Pacific Registry (Apnic). In late July, a U.S. Congressional committee initiated an investigation to determine Starlink’s role in providing internet access to fraudulent centers.
Ongoing Construction and Investigations
The analysis of satellite images by Planet Labs PBC revealed that dozens of infrastructures were built or modified at the largest complex, KK Park, between March and September. AFP journalists’ aerial recordings in September confirm that construction continues, with workers engaged in large-scale projects, cranes, and scaffolding.
AFP has also observed new constructions or modifications at several of the other 26 fraudulent centers around Myawaddy, including the notorious Shwe Kokko center. Last month, the U.S. sanctioned nine individuals linked to Shwe Kokko and Chinese crime boss She Zhijiang, the founder of the multi-story Yatai New City shopping center.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are these fraudulent centers in Myanmar? These centers are large complexes where criminal organizations, primarily Chinese, employ hundreds of thousands of workers under forced labor conditions. They engage in various illegal activities such as drug production, trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering.
- How is Starlink involved? Satellite images show that antennas from Elon Musk’s Starlink service have been installed in these centers to provide internet access, likely as a response to internet outages imposed by Thai authorities.
- What is the role of the U.S. Congressional committee investigation? The committee is investigating Starlink’s involvement in providing internet access to these fraudulent centers in Myanmar.
- What actions have been taken against these centers? Despite government pressure, construction continues. However, some operations have freed thousands of workers, and the U.S. has sanctioned individuals linked to these criminal networks.
