The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on the Karen National Army (KNA), a militia group in Burma, designating it as a transnational criminal organization. The KNA's leader, Saw Chit Thu, along with his sons Saw Htoo Eh Moo and Saw Chit Chit, have been sanctioned for their involvement in cyber scams targeting U.S. citizens, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling.
Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender stated that "cyber scam operations, such as those run by the KNA, generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins and their associates." He emphasized the Treasury's commitment to disrupting these networks.
This action aligns with Executive Orders 13581 and 14014 aimed at targeting transnational criminal organizations and threats to Burma's peace and security. The KNA operates from Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy Township, near the Thai border. It profits from leasing land to organized crime groups involved in cyber scams and provides support for human trafficking.
The OFAC has also targeted Cambodian financial institution Huione Group for money laundering linked to similar cyber scams. The group's actions have been described as "pig butchering" scams involving fake cryptocurrency investments.
Under Saw Chit Thu’s leadership, the KNA has maintained its cooperation with Burma’s military despite rebranding itself from its former name, Karen Border Guard Force. Both of Saw Chit Thu's sons hold significant roles within the KNA's criminal activities.
As a result of these sanctions, all property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction belonging to these individuals are blocked. Transactions involving these persons are generally prohibited unless authorized by OFAC.
OFAC emphasizes that sanctions aim to induce positive changes rather than punishments. Information on seeking removal from OFAC lists is available through official channels.
