SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has announced the termination of Starlink satellite internet services to more than 2,500 devices suspected of being used by scam compounds in Myanmar. This move comes amid growing concerns that the company’s technology has been exploited by criminal syndicates operating in the region.
These compounds, believed to number over 30,000 along the Thai-Myanmar border, are notorious for human trafficking and forced participation in elaborate scams. These operations are estimated to generate billions of dollars annually, preying on individuals worldwide through deceptive tactics such as romance scams and fraudulent investment schemes.
Lauren Dreyer, head of Starlink business operations at SpaceX, stated that the company is committed to preventing the misuse of its services. “We are committed to ensuring the service remains a force for good and sustains trust worldwide: both connecting the unconnected and detecting and preventing misuse by bad actors,” she commented on the platform X.
The decision to cut services follows recent developments in Myanmar, including the Myanmar military’s takeover of KK Park, a significant scam compound, and the release of over 2,000 workers. The military reported confiscating 30 Starlink terminals during this operation.
While SpaceX’s action targets specific compounds identified as violating its terms of service, numerous other scam centers remain operational along the border. The extent to which these other centers relied on Starlink and whether their services have also been affected remains unclear. These illicit operations have become a crucial element of Myanmar’s wartime economy, with the ruling junta reportedly benefiting from and protecting these criminal enterprises, often with alleged support from China.