In a sweeping move to combat transnational cybercrime and human trafficking, the U.S. Treasury Department has designated the Karen National Army (KNA) as a transnational criminal organization, accusing the Burma-based militia of fueling a vast criminal ecosystem.
The sanctions, announced on May 5 by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), also target the group’s leader Saw Chit Thu and his two sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit, for their direct involvement in allegedly orchestrating scams and trafficking networks that have collectively cost American victims billions of dollars.
KNA Facilitates Crypto Scams:
The KNA, headquartered in Shwe Kokko in Burma’s Karen State along the Thai border, is alleged to have transformed its territory into a hub for online scamming syndicates and smuggling networks.
Once known as the Karen Border Guard Force, the group rebranded as the Karen National Army in March 2024 to distance itself from the Burmese military regime.
Treasury Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender condemned the KNA’s activities, stating, “Cyber scam operations, such as those run by the KNA, generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins and their associates, while depriving victims of their hard-earned savings and sense of security.”
Victims-turned-perpetrators work long hours creating fake online identities, often posing as romantic interests or financial advisors, to lure unsuspecting targets, primarily U.S. citizens, into cryptocurrency investment scams, known colloquially as “pig butchering.”
KNA’s influence over these operations extends beyond logistics. Survivors from KK Park, a notorious scam compound, reported seeing security personnel in KNA uniforms, reinforcing claims that the group provided land and protection for these operations.
A Crime Family Empire and Global Repercussions:
Saw Chit Thu leads the KNA and has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom (2023) and the European Union (2024) for his alleged role in scam operations and cooperation with the Burmese military. In fact, the Thai authorities declared him wanted.
Non-U.S. persons who assist or facilitate transactions on behalf of the sanctioned parties may themselves be subject to secondary sanctions.
The U.S. government seeks to curtail the operations of those directly involved in scams and trafficking and dismantle the financial infrastructures that allow such networks to thrive.
You’ve been such a valuable member of our BINANCE TEAM!
This isn't the end; it's just a new beginning.
"*I wish you all the best because you deserve nothing less*"
"*I also pray for your future endeavors.*"
Enjoy your well-earned . You deserve it!
This is not investment advice.
🔸Follow share Like & comment
I hope you will do.
Immediately analyze and receive on-Chain data from top-level news and
for intestring , latest news and updates about Crypto Currencies aroud the 🌍 globe 🌎 👇🏻
