Myanmar Military Reports Demolishing Nearly 150 Buildings at KK Park Fraud Center
The Myanmar military announced the destruction of 101 buildings at the notorious KK Park fraud center, with 47 more slated for demolition, according to state media. The operation, which began last month following an AFP investigation revealing the center’s continued operation despite crackdowns, comes after more than 2,000 workers were discovered on site and approximately 1,500 fled across the border into Thailand.
The crackdown on KK Park highlights the complex issue of human trafficking and forced labor within Myanmar’s lucrative online scam industry. While many are coerced into these centers, reports indicate some individuals willingly seek employment, drawn by promises of agreeable accommodations and high salaries offered to those supporting the criminal operations. The dismantling of KK Park represents a notable,though potentially incomplete,effort to disrupt a network that has exploited vulnerable populations and circumvented international law enforcement.
The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper detailed the structures demolished, including dormitories, a four-story hospital, and a two-story karaoke complex. The military claims a total of 148 buildings comprised the sprawling complex. AFP has not independently verified the extent of the destruction, but residents in Myanmar and Thailand have reported hearing explosions as the offensive began October 19.
The fraud center reportedly utilized a large number of Starlink satellite internet terminals to bypass network disruptions, prompting SpaceX to cut signals to over 2,500 terminals in suspected fraud hotspots within Myanmar.
(haf/imk)
