Recent investigations reveal that Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, is enabling widespread operations of scam centers and human trafficking compounds in Myanmar. Between November 2024 and February, hundreds of mobile phones logged their locations and usage of Starlink at known scam compounds over 40,000 times, raising concerns about the platform's role in facilitating illicit activities.
At least 412 devices listed Starlink as their internet provider at these locations during this timeframe. The compounds have long relied on mobile connections from local cell carriers in Myanmar or Thailand. However, the introduction of Starlink has provided a stable internet connection crucial for scamming operations, which include targeting potential trafficking victims with false job postings and orchestrating daily scams and money laundering.
Thai officials have recently seized 78 Starlink receivers believed to be destined for these scam compounds in Myanmar. This action underscores the urgency of addressing the misuse of technology in these operations. An analyst who has collected data on the usage of Starlink at various compounds indicated that every site checked showed evidence of Starlink's presence. The analyst estimates that around 120,000 people are likely trapped in scam compounds across Myanmar.
The Tai Chang compound, one of the most notorious sites, has been documented with dozens of Starlink receiver dishes installed above the buildings. A trafficking victim, still residing at the Tai Chang compound, expressed concern about the prevalence of Starlink, stating, “I am in Myanmar and work for a fraud company.” This victim further elaborated on the precariousness of their situation, saying, “I’m not safe, I’m chatting with you secretly.”
The reliance on Starlink has transformed how these scam networks operate. As one victim pointed out, “Now the fraud work is running normally. If the fraud network here is down, we can regain our freedom.” This sentiment highlights the critical nature of stable internet access for maintaining these fraudulent operations.
Photos obtained from the Tai Chang compound corroborate claims of extensive Starlink usage. Rangsiman Rome, an opposition member of Thailand's House of Representatives, stated, “They just put [Starlink] on the roof, and we have the photos.” He expressed hope that identifying which compounds utilize Starlink could lead to collaboration with SpaceX to curb its misuse.
Notably, this issue is not confined to a single incident but represents a broader trend of technology being appropriated for nefarious purposes. Mechelle B Moore, CEO of anti-trafficking nonprofit Global Alms Incorporated, emphasized that victims often switch between Starlink and cellular dongles to maintain connectivity. “Victims will all confirm that they’re flipped over to Starlink or they use cellular dongles with SIM cards in them,” she stated. “When one doesn’t work, they just flick over to the other. It doesn’t stop operations at all.”
David Eubank, founder of Free Burma Rangers, commented on the situation, stating, “It’s really the best thing going” regarding Starlink’s performance. He urged that while punitive measures should be taken against perpetrators misusing the technology, shutting down the entire network would be counterproductive. “If you can find perpetrators who are misusing it, you penalize them, but you don't just shut the whole network down,” he explained.
Erin West, a former deputy district attorney for Santa Clara County, California, highlighted the paradox of this situation: “Our own technology is being used against us.” She further noted that Starlink serves as a critical infrastructure component that enables these bad actors to access their targets more easily. “Starlink is an American company, and it is the backbone for how these bad actors are able to access Americans,” she added.
Despite the alarming data surrounding its use in scam compounds, SpaceX has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding this troubling situation. The military junta in Myanmar has reportedly banned the use of Starlink; however, there is little evidence that this ban has had any meaningful impact on its adoption by scam centers.
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