Linn Maung
Myawaddy in Karen State may be the second target of China’s effort against the growth of an online scamming network, following the fall of Laukkai in Shan state. Reputable sources indicate that carteks in Laukkai are investing in KK Park China Town Casino Hub and Shwe Kokko, which are located on the Moei River. This network is more globally connected and diverse.
Myawaddy Township, under the command of Col. Saw Chit’s Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), is under pressure to demolish this casino hub, which has been operating since 2017. Thailand has pledged to assist China in this endeavour. Through BGF, the Myanmar Army also makes a healthy profit from this fraudulent sector. Notwithstanding intense international pressure and coerced intimidation against cybercrimes, Myanmar persisted in its denial. It is clear that the mikitary dictatorship in Myanmar will stop at nothing to shield the leaders of the obedient border guards from being implicated in internet money laundering.
There are rumours that China has obtained a great deal of important information on the individuals detained in Shan state’s Kokang region during the past two months, including their connections to Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy. Although Myanmar’s response to the events on its eastern border is still unknown, Thailand and Laos play a significant part in this. Without a doubt, for obvious reasons, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos would give in to Chinese pressure. The military chief in Nay Pyi Taw and Lieutenant General Jacka Pao Janppan, the Director of Joint Operations of the Royal Thai Army, met on December 27, 2023, to talk about the battle against online money fraud in the border township of Myawaddy.
The Karen National Union (KNU), which is active in the provinces of Tanintharyi and Bago, is in charge of the Maesot-Myawaddy Asian Highway. However, they have said nothing about Shwe Kokko, raising the possibility that they are also involved in internet money laundering. The conflict in Myanmar is over resources, not the people. Chief Col. Saw Chit of DKBA (Karen BGF) enjoys all economic privileges and close ties to the military dictatorship. The international community is under increasing pressure to combat the internet money laundering gangs operating on the Thai-Myanmar border under BGF leadership, as the KNU joint forces are currently attacking Karen State. However, for obvious reasons, the military is unwilling to take action against the BGF commanders.
Additionally, the cooperation of some KNU officials with BGF chief Col. Saw Chit on the reunification of the Karen Armed Forces has drawn harsh criticism from Karen civic organisations. The Burmese military pushed Saw Chit and other BGF leaders to leave the organisation in 2020, months before the coup d’état, if they wished to continue with their company. However, after the coup, this was tolerated as the Army’s need for more funds had grown. Second, Tatmadaw was preparing to seize the nation and re-join the Karen Armed Forces, and Col Saw Chit never wanted the DKBA (BGF) to revolt against them.
China has gradually gained control of Myanmar’s land borders, whether they are on the country’s northern, eastern, southern, or western fronts. As a result, she is now able to change the dynamics.
