What is the US government doing to combat scams originating from Myanmar?

The US government has obtained warrants to seize Starlink satellite internet terminals being used by scam compounds in Myanmar, in an effort to disrupt the cybercriminals' internet connectivity and dismantle the systematized scamming ecosystem in Southeast Asia.

How much money have the scams from Myanmar cost victims around the world?

According to the article, the scam compounds in Southeast Asia have been stealing billions of dollars from victims around the world.

What is the "District of Columbia Scam Center Strike Force" and what is its goal?

The District of Columbia Scam Center Strike Force is a new initiative launched by the US Justice Department, FBI, and Secret Service to combat cryptocurrency scams originating from an ecosystem of systematized fraud in Southeast Asia. The goal is to cut off the scammers' access to the internet, a critical enabler of their operations.

Home / Crime and Justice / US Authorities Seize Starlink Terminals Fueling Scams in Myanmar

US Authorities Seize Starlink Terminals Fueling Scams in Myanmar

15 Nov

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Summary

US issues warrants to seize Starlink terminals used by cybercriminals in Myanmar
Scam compounds in Southeast Asia have been stealing billions from victims worldwide
US law enforcement aims to cut off scammers' internet access to disrupt operations

US Authorities Seize Starlink Terminals Fueling Scams in Myanmar

In a recent crackdown on cybercrime, the United States government has taken action to seize Starlink satellite internet terminals being used by scam compounds in Myanmar. According to legal documents seen by WIRED, US law enforcement has obtained warrants to confiscate at least 79 Starlink dishes from the notorious Tai Chang compound, as well as 9 terminals and 2 accounts from another scam center near the Myanmar-Thailand border.

The warrants claim that these Starlink devices and accounts played a "substantial role" in money laundering and wire fraud operations targeting US citizens. The US authorities are now seeking to have SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, disable service to these devices in order to disrupt the scammers' internet connectivity.