Cybercrime in Finance Threatens Global Audience from Myanmar Border

A new report by the United States Institute of Peace has sounded the alarm on the alarming growth of organized criminal groups operating on the Thai-Myanmar border, posing a global security threat through online scams and financial fraud.

Organized Crime on the Rise

The report, titled “A Criminal Cancer Spreads in Southeast Asia,” reveals that these criminal organizations are now targeting global audiences with a new form of fraud known as “pig butchering.” This scam involves building relationships with victims online, introducing investment schemes, and eventually disappearing with their money.

Shwe Kokko: A Hub for Illegal Activities

Shwe Kokko, a newly built town in Myanmar’s Karen state, has emerged as a hub for these illegal activities. The area is controlled by Chinese criminal investors in partnership with the Border Guard Force (BGF), a Karen ethnic minority militia under Myanmar military control.

Cyber Slavery Crisis

The report also highlights the crisis of cyber slavery in Shwe Kokko, where trafficked workers from around the world are forced to work in financial schemes. Many of these victims are children, including a 16-year-old Burmese boy who described his experience working in a computer workshop building, performing online financial schemes and defrauding online shoppers.

China’s Inaction

China has been involved in a crackdown on some of these criminal networks for about two decades but has yet to effectively address the issue. The country’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited Myanmar in May and urged authorities to crack down on internet fraud, but experts warn that the military junta lacks the political will and capacity to deal with these problems.

Global Action Needed

The need for global action is urgent, as forced labor and cyber slavery are becoming increasingly embedded across Southeast Asia and around the world. ASEAN member countries have created a non-binding forum to combat transnational crimes, but Myanmar’s lack of political will makes it a particularly challenging issue.

• Experts stress that China needs to work with more effective partners to address these problems.
• Global leadership is required to combat this growing threat.

Conclusion

The threat posed by cybercrime in finance from the Myanmar border is a global problem that requires urgent attention and cooperation. It is essential for countries like China, Myanmar, and others to take concrete steps to combat organized crime and protect vulnerable individuals from forced labor and cyber slavery.