Financial Crime World

Burmese Safe Zones Get New Lease on Life with Restoration of Thai Electricity and Internet

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The notorious safe zones along Myanmar’s border have been given a new lease on life after the restoration of Thai electricity and internet in these enclaves. This significant development marks a turning point for the region, which has long been plagued by human trafficking and organized crime.

A New Era of Criminal Activity

In recent years, construction of new criminal zones exploded along the 40-kilometer stretch of the Moei River. According to USIP, there are 15 distinct criminal areas in the region, with thousands of people being held captive and forced to operate online scams or pay ransoms.

  • Reports of Indians, Indonesians, Taiwanese, Kenyans, Ukrainians, and other nationals being trafficked into Southeast Asia have continued to surface.
  • The zones have become a magnet for criminal activity, with organized crime groups using Myanmar as a base for their operations.

The Scale of the Problem

ASEAN countries are demanding action from Cambodia to free tens of thousands of Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian victims. In response, Thai authorities arrested billionaire fugitive investor She Zhijiang, who was behind one of the largest criminal zones in the region.

  • Despite his arrest, construction on Shwe Kokko continues unabated.
  • Two of his partners remain at large, with one continuing to hold official positions and another being awarded for “philanthropy work”.

A Global Security Threat

The scale of the problem has become a global security threat, with ads for lucrative tech jobs in Southeast Asia appearing in California. The US and its regional partners must take steps to shut off criminal opportunities and bring an end to this human trafficking crisis.

  • The restoration of Thai electricity and internet in these enclaves marks a turning point in the fight against human trafficking and organized crime.
  • It is essential that regional partners work together to bring an end to this crisis and restore stability to the region.

First Steps

The first step towards addressing this issue is for the US and like-minded countries to assess how these lawless zones exploit governance gaps among them, and take action to close those gaps.

  • This includes identifying areas where corruption and weak institutions have created opportunities for criminal activity.
  • It also requires international cooperation to share intelligence and best practices in combating human trafficking and organized crime.

A New Era of Cooperation

The restoration of Thai electricity and internet in these enclaves marks a turning point in the fight against human trafficking and organized crime. It is essential that regional partners work together to bring an end to this crisis and restore stability to the region.

  • The US and its regional partners must take steps to shut off criminal opportunities and bring an end to this human trafficking crisis.
  • Only through cooperation can we hope to create a safer, more secure future for all.