SpaceX Disables Over 2,500 Starlink Devices at Myanmar Scam Centers
SpaceX has taken action to disable over 2,500 of its Starlink devices in the vicinity of suspected scam centers in Myanmar, as revealed by a recent investigation.
SpaceX has cut service to more than 2,500 Starlink devices at Myanmar scam centers after reports showed their use had surged in the illicit industry.
These compounds where internet tricksters target foreigners with romance and business cons have thrived along Myanmar's loosely-governed border during its civil war, which was sparked by a 2021 coup.
Despite a highly-publicized crackdown that saw some 7,000 workers repatriated and Thailand enacting an Internet blockade, construction at these scam centers has continued, with mass installations of Starlink receivers connecting the hubs to Elon Musk's satellite network.
SpaceX's vice president of Starlink business operations, Lauren Dreyer, stated that the company 'disabled over 2,500 Starlink Kits in the vicinity of suspected 'scam centers' in Myanmar.
The exact timing of when these terminals were disconnected remains unclear.
Recently, Myanmar's military raided KK Park, one of the country's most notorious scam centers, seizing 30 Starlink satellite Internet terminals.
This represents only a fraction of the number used at the site, according to independent analysis and an investigation by AFP.
The scam centers have become a significant part of Myanmar's wartime economy, with the military fighting various rebel groups since seizing power.
The emergence of these centers has been driven by Chinese citizens leading scams, being trafficked into the hubs, and defrauding others.
In response, Beijing led efforts to curb the booming black market in February.
Myanmar relies on China for military support but also profits from powerful militias controlling the border regions.
The situation presents a 'balancing act' for the junta, taking tokenistic actions while not addressing the core issues effectively, according to Nathan Ruser, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
These compounds where internet tricksters target foreigners with romance and business cons have thrived along Myanmar's loosely-governed border during its civil war, which was sparked by a 2021 coup.
Despite a highly-publicized crackdown that saw some 7,000 workers repatriated and Thailand enacting an Internet blockade, construction at these scam centers has continued, with mass installations of Starlink receivers connecting the hubs to Elon Musk's satellite network.
SpaceX's vice president of Starlink business operations, Lauren Dreyer, stated that the company 'disabled over 2,500 Starlink Kits in the vicinity of suspected 'scam centers' in Myanmar.
The exact timing of when these terminals were disconnected remains unclear.
Recently, Myanmar's military raided KK Park, one of the country's most notorious scam centers, seizing 30 Starlink satellite Internet terminals.
This represents only a fraction of the number used at the site, according to independent analysis and an investigation by AFP.
The scam centers have become a significant part of Myanmar's wartime economy, with the military fighting various rebel groups since seizing power.
The emergence of these centers has been driven by Chinese citizens leading scams, being trafficked into the hubs, and defrauding others.
In response, Beijing led efforts to curb the booming black market in February.
Myanmar relies on China for military support but also profits from powerful militias controlling the border regions.
The situation presents a 'balancing act' for the junta, taking tokenistic actions while not addressing the core issues effectively, according to Nathan Ruser, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.