Karen armed groups confront cross-border crime in emergency meeting

Two powerful Karen ethnic armed groups convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to address rising concerns over human trafficking, scam operations, and cross-border criminal networks. The meetings followed reports of Chinese nationals being lured into cyber-fraud centres in Myanmar’s border areas with Thailand. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) met with Chinese business owners in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, according to Thai media and the Karen Information Center. Criminal activities in Myawaddy made headlines after traffickers brought a Chinese actor into Myanmar via Thailand on January 3. Thai authorities swiftly intervened, securing his release alongside at least five other Chinese nationals in the following days. The incident prompted China's Public Security Bureau to announce plans for action. Authorities freed the actor on January 7. The BGF warned in the meetings that they would take action, including shutting down Chinese businesses, if they discovered there were instances where the businesses were found to have been employing children. They also demanded that the Chinese establishments do not use extortion or torture when handling their operations. Colonel Saw Chit Thu and Lieutenant Colonel Saw Mote Thone represented the Karen BGF, while DKBA Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Saw Shwe Wa, Major General Saw San Aung, and other senior officers joined the meeting with about 60 Chinese business people. "Colonel Saw Chit Thu warned the Chinese operating in Myawaddy, Kyaukhat, or Shwe Kokko to not torture or abuse people. They should also avoid employing those under the age of 18,” Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Saw Shwe Wa told local media. “If we find out about such activities, we will take punitive action.” According to the UN, hundreds of thousands of people have been trafficked to work in online scam mills across Southeast Asia in recent years, with a large percentage of those forced into labour in Myanmar. A United Institute for Peace (USIP) report from April 2024 identified Colonel Saw Chit Thu, Lieutenant Colonel Saw Mote Thone, Major Tin Win, and DKBA's Sai Kyaw Hla, as suspects linked to Chinese criminal syndicates that are expanding in the region. Myanmar Now was unable to reach the BGF or the DKBA after repeated requests for comment. Cyber-fraud operations, gambling, and human trafficking have reportedly flourished in Myawaddy Township, including Shwe Kokko, with Karen BGF leader Saw Chit Thu supporting these activities, according to human rights groups and security researchers. USIP claims that the BGF benefits from the emergence of Chinese criminal gangs by hosting their operations. The Karen groups are known for supplying electricity and internet, and providing security for a cut of the profits. Researchers estimate that the BGF earns $192 million annually from the Shwe Kokko project, with a significant portion of the funds also flowing to the junta.

Karen armed groups confront cross-border crime in emergency meeting

Leaders from the Karen Border Guard Force warn Chinese businesses in Myawaddy against trafficking, torture, and underage employment

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