BANGKOK: SpaceX has deactivated Starlink satellite internet services on over 2,500 devices in Myanmar after they were reportedly used by criminal networks for large-scale online fraud. Reports suggest that more than 30 such networks operate along the Thailand-Myanmar border, coercing individuals into scams that generate billions of dollars annually.
Lauren Dreyer, SpaceX’s Head of Commercial Operations, said the company acts promptly when violations are detected. The suspension followed a military raid on one of the largest fraud hubs, KK Park, where authorities reclaimed areas previously controlled by insurgent groups. Victims, many from African nations, were reportedly lured through fake job offers and investment schemes and forced to engage in criminal activity under harsh conditions, including long hours, abuse, and physical punishment.
In a post on X, Dreyer said, “We actively identified and deactivated over 2,500 Starlink kits around suspected scam hubs in Myanmar. We remain committed to ensuring our service connects people for good while preventing misuse.”
The Myanmar military stated that it liberated KK Park, freed more than 2,000 people, and seized 30 Starlink terminals. While dozens of other scam centers remain active in the region, it is unclear whether those networks have also lost access to Starlink services.
