US Treasury Sanctions Burmese Armed Group, Companies Over Cyber Scam Centers Targeting Americans
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today imposed sanctions on the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Burmese armed group, and four of its senior leaders.
The sanctions were issued for their role in supporting cyber scam centers in Burma that use fraudulent investment schemes to target Americans.
Key Designations
- DKBA and its senior leaders: Designated for supporting and profiting from scam compounds, such as the Tai Chang compound, where victims of human trafficking are forced to run scams against U.S. persons. The revenue helps finance the DKBA’s activities.
- Trans Asia International Holding Group Thailand Company Limited (Trans Asia) and Troth Star Company Limited (Troth Star): Designated for links to Chinese organized crime and working with the DKBA and other armed groups to develop these scam centers, including the notorious KK Park.
- Chamu Sawang (aka Yu Jianjun): A Thai national and Director of Trans Asia, also sanctioned.
Government Response
The Treasury, in collaboration with the FBI, DOJ, USSS, and DEA, highlighted that these criminal networks are stealing billions of dollars from Americans and fueling Burma’s civil conflict through human trafficking and scams.
Concurrently, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice announced the establishment of a Scam Center Strike Force. This multi-agency task force is charged with investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting the most egregious Southeast Asian scam centers, with a focus on Burma, Cambodia, and Laos, through sanctions, seizures, and criminal prosecution.
This action builds on prior sanctions against other scam-linked entities in the region, including the Karen National Army (KNA) and Cambodia’s Prince Group, as the U.S. government seeks to protect Americans, who lost an estimated $10 billion in 2024 to Southeast Asia-based scam operations.
READ MORE: U.S. Launches Major Strike Force To Dismantle Multi-Billion-Dollar “Pig Butchering” Crypto Scams
TAMPA FREE PRESS
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.