KNU storms DKBA-run scam compound on Thai border

The Karen National Union (KNU) raided a scam compound controlled by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) in Minletpan village near the Thai-Myanmar border, uncovering more than 2,000 people held inside, the group said on Sunday. KNU troops first entered Minletpan village on November 21, disarming at least 230 DKBA fighters at a compound believed to be run by a Chinese criminal syndicate, the statement said. The village lies on the banks of the Moei River along the Thai-Myanmar border, about eight miles southeast of Myawaddy. The raid on the scam compound itself took place on November 23 and 24. On the first day, KNU forces reported locating 20 buildings used for online fraud, as well as a health clinic operating inside the site. Inside the compound, KNU troops said they found more than 2,000 people involved in the operation: either held captive or working there voluntarily. Of those, 396 were identified as foreign nationals from eight countries—Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt, Thailand, Laos, the Philippines, China and Malaysia. The group also said it seized computers, mobile phones and other equipment allegedly used to run the scam network.The KNU added that 28 Thai nationals were found during the first day's inspection and that they have reportedly been handed over to Thai authorities. A day later, KNU forces were able to identify 337 Chinese nationals, three Bangladeshi nationals, two Taiwanese nationals, two Malaysian nationals and one from Hong Kong. The raid comes as junta forces push to retake territory lost to the KNU in recent years, and just weeks after the Myanmar military has begun conducting their own crackdowns on the fraud compounds. The DKBA is widely viewed as an ally of the military, providing support for operations across Karen and Mon states. Experts say it’s unclear if the junta is genuinely interested in eradicating the Chinese syndicates from operating, or using the crackdowns to send a signal to the international community that they are committed to reducing organised crime. Inside the compound, KNU troops said they found more than 2,000 people involved in the operation, confiscating computers, mobile phones and other equipment allegedly used to run the scam network. (Photo: KNU) Myawaddy has become a major hub for cyber scam operations in recent years, with Chinese-linked networks running compounds that traffic and detain foreign workers to carry out online fraud schemes. Despite occasional raids, the industry continues to expand along the Moei River border, generating significant revenue for armed groups and criminal syndicates operating in the area.The fraud complex—reportedly co-run by DKBA commander Naing Lwin alongside Chinese groups—was provided protection and logistical support under the authority of Brigadier General Saw Kyaw Hla, one of four DKBA leaders sanctioned by the United States.According to the KNU statement the KNU notified Thai and international authorities about rescuing people trapped inside the compound where the Minletpan scam operations were being conducted, and also sought advice. In the buildings, they reportedly found rooms that appeared to be have been used for torture. Additionally, the KNU noted that some of the Chinese fraud workers were found to have been carrying lethal weapons. Karen National Union forces reportedly discovered rooms that are believed to have been used for torture and ill treatment of those held captive. (Photo: KNU) Myanmar Now contacted DKBA commander-in-chief Brigadier General Saw Sein Win to learn more about the raid on the DKBA-controlled scam compound in Minletpan, but he did not respond to calls for comment. A border-based source familiar with the raid told Myanmar Now that KNLA troops—the KNU’s armed wing—were pushing back junta offensives in the area when DKBA fighters stationed in Minletpan opened fire as they approached the compound. The source said the order to shoot was given by DKBA Major Saw Kyaw Ko Min, known as ‘Thakhwarthee.’ "Bo Da Baw went into Minletpan, cleared it and seized it,” the source said, referencing a prominent KNU commander. “The DKBA comrades had no experience whatsoever, so they surrendered. I also heard that senior leaders from the DKBA and KNU sides are currently negotiating. It's a big scam site, and as the KNU has taken it into their hands they want to resolve it politically.” The DKBA’s central command announced on November 24 that it had ordered the arrest of Maj. Saw Kyaw Ko Min, also known as Thakhwarthee, accusing him of failing to carry out his duties and overstepping his authority. The statement said he should be returned to the group’s headquarters if located. The KNU said it is continuing to process those found inside the compound and has urged neighbouring countries and international agencies to assist in repatriation and investigation efforts. With scam operations entrenched throughout Myawaddy, the group warned that dismantling networks of this scale will require coordinated cross-border action beyond what resistance forces alone can deliver.

KNU storms DKBA-run scam compound on Thai border

The raid resulted in a clash between the two armed groups, with more than 2,000 people found at DKBA-run compound in Minletpan, including nearly 400 foreign nationals

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