U.S. Treasury Sanctions Burmese Militia Group Linked to Cyber Scams
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has blocked the Karen National Army (KNA) from the U.S. financial system due to its involvement in cyber scams and illicit operations.
- KNA provides a haven for transnational criminal organizations, facilitating human trafficking and smuggling.
- The group is linked to extensive cyber scams and cryptocurrency thefts, resulting in billions in losses.
- Fraudulent "pig butchering" scams were conducted from hotels and casinos, targeting U.S. citizens through fake romantic ties.
- Sanctions specifically target KNA leader Saw Chit Thu and his sons, prohibiting any U.S. asset use or interactions with U.S. entities.
- This action follows recent sanctions against Cambodia's Huione Group, implicated in money laundering for Southeast Asian criminal organizations.