Overview

• The U.S. Treasury Department designated the Karen National Army (KNA) as a transnational criminal organization on May 5, 2025.
• Sanctions target KNA leader Saw Chit Thu, his sons, and the militia for facilitating cyber scams, human trafficking, and smuggling operations.
• The KNA controls Myawaddy and Shwe Kokko, border regions notorious for scam syndicates exploiting trafficked workers.
• The sanctions block access to U.S.-controlled assets and prohibit U.S. citizens from providing financial services to the KNA and its leaders.
• The KNA denies the allegations, claiming its activities focus on regional development and accusing the U.S. of overreach.