US Places Sanctions on Myanmar’s Karen National Army

The US has imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s Karen National Army, alleging it is involved in human trafficking and online scams.

Quick Takes

The US has sanctioned Myanmar’s Karen National Army (KNA) for alleged human trafficking and cyber scams.
The sanctions target KNA leader Saw Chit Thu and his family.
The KNA denies involvement, insisting they combat scam centers and aid victims.
Amidst regional conflicts, the military junta in Myanmar extends a ceasefire.

Sanctions Imposed on KNA Leadership

The US recently imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s Karen National Army (KNA) and its leader, Colonel Saw Chit Thu, along with his sons, citing involvement in cyber scams, smuggling, and human trafficking. The KNA, led by Colonel Saw Chit Thu, is alleged to be deeply embedded in illegal activities tied to organized crime gangs. The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the KNA’s leadership and prohibit Americans from doing business with them.

The KNA’s activities are believed to include the leasing of land for scam operations targeting Americans. According to the US Treasury, scam operations involving the KNA have cost Americans $3.5 billion this year alone. Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender remarked that these cyber scams generate billions in revenue for criminal kingpins, depriving victims of their savings and sense of security.

US imposes sanctions on Myanmar ethnic militia for ‘facilitating cyber scams’ https://t.co/fldD1zhyQz

— O.C. Register (@ocregister) May 6, 2025

The Karen National Army’s Denial

The KNA disputes these claims, stating their focus is on regional development rather than criminal deeds. KNA spokesperson Naing Maung Zaw expressed confusion over the sanctions, stating the group actively works to dismantle scam centers and repatriate victims. Naing Maung Zaw said, “I really cannot understand why this happened when we … are working to crack down on scam centres and repatriate victims to their respective countries.”

This firm denial comes against a backdrop of allegations that the KNA is providing security to scam centers operating in areas like Shwe Kokko and Myawaddy. Despite the accusations, evidence suggests the KNA has facilitated the repatriation of over 7,000 foreign scam workers through Thailand, attempting to address the burgeoning problem of trafficking within their controlled territories.

Implications for Regional Security

The sanctions against the KNA arrive at a critical juncture, coinciding with a ceasefire extension by Myanmar’s military junta to better manage earthquake recovery efforts. The region, particularly the Kayin state dominated by the Karen ethnic minority, has endured significant conflict since the military coup in February 2021. This ongoing tension presents challenges to both local stability and US foreign policy objectives.

According to the United Nations, there is an alarming expansion of criminal syndicates exploiting trafficked workers under harsh conditions. These gangs reportedly operate in Myanmar under the guise of business development favorable to regional leaders like Saw Chit Thu, who publicly remains allied with Myanmar’s military rulers.

For now, the imposition of sanctions creates ripples not just in Myanmar but across international diplomatic circles as both the UK and EU have also levied punitive measures against Colonel Saw Chit Thu. The global community stands vigilant on the varied impacts these sanctions might have on both the Karen National Army and the ongoing regional stability efforts.