Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

U.S. Sanctions Myanmar Militia Over Cyber Scams and Human Trafficking

The Karen National Army and its leader Saw Chit Thu face asset freezes and financial restrictions for alleged transnational crimes.

FILE - Thai soldiers provide security for the transfer of Chinese nationals who had worked at scam centers in eastern Myanmar, on their arrival at Thailand's Mae Sot International Airport, Tak province before being sent back to China on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul, File)
Image
Image

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.