Treasury Sanctions Burma Armed Group and Companies Linked to Organized Crime Targeting Americans

WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Burmese armed group, along with four of its senior leaders, for supporting cyber scam centers in Burma that target Americans using fraudulent investment schemes. OFAC is also designating Trans Asia International Holding Group Thailand Company Limited (Trans Asia), Troth Star Company Limited (Troth Star), and Thai national Chamu Sawang, who are linked to Chinese organized crime and have worked with the DKBA and other armed groups to develop these scam centers. The revenue generated by scam center workers—who are often themselves victims of human trafficking—supports organized crime and allows the DKBA to finance its harmful activities.“Criminal networks operating out of Burma are stealing billions of dollars from hardworking Americans through online scams,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley.