Myanmar junta says 30 Starlink sets seized in scam centre raid

Number only a fraction identified in probe, revealing surge in their use by illicit industry

- 

Myanmar's junta raided one of the country's most notorious internet scam centres and seized Starlink devices, it said on Oct 20, after an AFP news agency investigation revealed a surge in their use in the multibillion-dollar illicit industry.

Internet sweatshops where workers scam unsuspecting foreigners with business or romance schemes have thrived in war-ravaged Myanmar's lawless border regions since the coronavirus pandemic shut down casinos operating in the area.

A crackdown by the Thai, Chinese and Myanmar authorities starting in February saw thousands of suspected scammers repatriated, with experts saying some in the scam industry participate willingly, while others are forced to by organised criminal groups.

But an AFP investigation in October revealed rapid new construction at scam centre sites, and devices using the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service Starlink being installed on their roofs.

State media Global New Light of Myanmar said the military "conducted operations in KK Park near (the) Myanmar-Thai border" and had "seized 30 sets of Starlink receivers and accessories".