Elon Musk’s SpaceX has announced the discontinuation of Starlink satellite communications for over 2,500 devices associated with scam operations in Myanmar. These operations primarily occur in more than 30 compounds along the Thai-Myanmar border, where individuals are trafficked and exploited for scams generating substantial revenue annually.
Lauren Dreyer, head of Starlink business operations, stated that the company acts when it identifies violations of its service agreement. This decision follows a recent military takeover of KK Park, one of the largest scam centers, as the Myanmar military seeks to reclaim territory lost to insurgent groups in recent years.
Advocates for victims have expressed concerns that Starlink technology has facilitated the operations of mainly Chinese crime syndicates, enabling them to function in remote areas. Myanmar has gained notoriety for scams that typically involve romantic schemes and fake investment opportunities. Many workers are enticed with the promise of legitimate jobs but end up held captive and forced into criminal activities.
Reports indicate that survivors have endured severe conditions, including long hours, torture, and physical abuse for failing to meet performance targets, with many victims originating from African nations. Dreyer highlighted SpaceX’s commitment to ensuring that its services are used positively while detecting and preventing misuse by bad actors.
Following the military’s recent actions, over 2,000 workers were reportedly released from KK Park, and 30 Starlink terminals were seized. Visual documentation has shown satellite dishes on the rooftops of various compounds, but at least 30 other scam centers along the border reportedly remain operational, employing tens of thousands worldwide. Many of these centers appear to be protected by militia groups loyal to the military, raising questions about whether they have lost access to Starlink services. These centers are viewed as integral to Myanmar’s wartime economy, as the regime continues to face challenges from various rebel factions while maintaining external support.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpd2e5541d1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss