US Sanctions Myanmar Armed Group DKBA and Thai Firms for Cyber Fraud

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on an armed group in Myanmar, as well as two companies in Thailand, linked to Chinese organized crime, due to their cyber-fraud activities worth billions of dollars.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury released an official statement on Wednesday.

Sanctions against DKBA and Thai companies

“Today OFAC imposed sanctions on the Burmese armed group DKBA along with four of its senior leaders, for supporting cybercrime centers in Myanmar that acted against Americans through fraudulent investment schemes”

In addition, the U.S. sanctions list includes Trans Asia and Troth Star from Thailand, which cooperated with DKBA and have ties to Chinese organized crime.

“The revenue earned by staff of the fraud centers, who are often themselves victims of human trafficking, supports organized crime and enables the DKBA to finance its malicious activities”

Context and Implications

The overall turnover of criminal networks in Myanmar amounts to billions of dollars. Such networks are also involved in human trafficking and play a role in fueling the armed conflict in the country.

According to analysts’ calculations, the sanctions are aimed at reducing financing and the influence of these groups on regional events, while they underscore the United States’ decision to halt the activities of corrupt entities that support criminal activity.