• U.S. sanctions KNA leaders for involvement in crypto scams and fraud.

• Southeast Asia crypto scams cost U.S. victims $5.5 billion in losses.

The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions against the Karen National Army (KNA), a militia group in Myanmar. According to officials, the U.S. government remains determined to break up criminal operations and prosecute all perpetrators to full extent of the law. The sanctions directly aim at KNA leader Saw Chit Thu and his two sons, Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit, because of their central roles in illegal activities.

KNA Accused of Running Crypto Scams Through Online Romance

The Department of Justice issued an official declaration on May 5, which revealed KNA leaders carry out “pig butchering” operations alongside multiple forms of digital fraud. Credit scammers establish relationships with their marks over months while directing them into fraudulent crypto investment schemes. American citizens have been swindled out of billions of dollars from scams originating from Myanmar-based networks, according to recent reports. The announcement provided a general statement rather than detailing the total loss figures.

The KNA maintains control over an area that straddles Myanmar and Thailand and serves as a central point for executing numerous scam operations. U.S. officials indicate that the group gains momentum through its military alliances in Myanmar to undertake broader criminal ventures. The organization previously known as KNA adopted the new name, but research indicates they preserved their military relations.

According to Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender, cyber scams operated by KNA criminals result in billions of dollars in stolen gains at the expense of victims’ financial losses. The U.S. government remains dedicated to breaking down illicit operations alongside efforts to prosecute the responsible parties.

The government took this recent action as a follow-up to its previous Southeast Asian anti-scam network operations. Recently, the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) revealed Huione Group from Cambodia as a vital institution responsible for processing funds obtained through cyber fraud. Sanctions against Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat and his companies were applied in both 2023 and 2024 because of their connection to human rights violations at scam facilities.

Crypto Scams from Southeast Asia Cost U.S. Victims Billions

Cyber scams originating from Southeast Asia have become a growing concern. Traffickers use deceptive tactics with their victims because they threaten them with violence to maintain deception. Research reveals that scam operations exist in both casinos as well as hotels alongside protected compounds. Cryptocurrency scammers dupe victims into thinking their investments will turn a profit before the perpetrators vanish with their funds. American victims became victims of these scams to the tune of $2 billion during 2022 and $3.5 billion throughout 2023.

Through its enabling role, the KNA supports illegal activities. With revenue streams from land leasing to criminals and security services for scams, and support for human trafficking the organization generates profits. Testimonies from survivors of a major scam center revealed the presence of KNA soldiers performing security duties at the compound.

The United States placed economic sanctions on KNA and its leaders that compelled the freezing of all their assets connected to American entities. The U.S. government prohibits its citizens from conducting business operations with these groups. Every business entity that receives more than 50% of its ownership from sanctioned individuals becomes subject to blocking restrictions.

Both doing business with KNA members and providing assistance to the organization can trigger penalties according to U.S. Treasury warnings. The dual practices fulfill government objectives by simultaneously delivering criminal punishment and victim protection alongside financial protection measures for the future.