The US sanctioned a militia in Myanmar linked to the ruling junta for supporting and profiting from cyber scams “on an industrial scale” that have cost Americans billions of dollars. The US Treasury Department on Monday said it sanctioned the Karen National Army, which operates in Myanmar’s southeast Kayin state bordering Thailand, as well as its leader, Saw Chit Thu, and his two sons. According to Treasury, the group leases land to organized crime groups and provides support for large-scale operations including security and electricity for “scam compounds,” as well as human trafficking and smuggling. Cybercrime syndicates — multibillion-dollar crypto scam operations reliant on trafficked workers — have emerged in recent years in Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. The United Nations last month warned the groups are still expanding despite recent crackdowns, building links from Ireland to Mexico and scaling up in other parts of the world, particularly in the Pacific region, Africa, South America and South Asia.

Full report : The US sanctioned the Karen National Army, its leader, and his two sons for supporting and profiting from cyber scams that have cost Americans billions of dollars.