Overview

• AFP analysis and drone footage show rapid construction at Myawaddy complexes, including dozens of new or altered buildings at KK Park, an enlarged checkpoint, new roads and multiple new ferry crossings on the Moei River.
• APNIC data shows Starlink rose from first appearing in late April to becoming Myanmar’s top listed internet provider every day from July 3 through October 1, with dishes visible on compound rooftops.
• The US Congress Joint Economic Committee has opened an investigation into Starlink’s role and has authority to compel Elon Musk to testify.
• SpaceX has not responded to AFP inquiries, while Senator Maggie Hassan urged Musk to block service to the sites and sent a July letter with detailed questions about Starlink’s involvement.
• UN reporting estimates up to 120,000 people are forced to work in Myanmar scam centres, Americans lost about US$10 billion to such scams in 2024, and the US sanctioned nine people in September tied to Shwe Kokko and alleged kingpin She Zhijiang.