After raiding a notorious scam compound, KK Park, Myanmar’s military has begun destroying portions of it, leading experts to speculate that the actions are largely performative. High-resolution satellite images taken after the initial raids indicate that only a specific section of the compound has seen destruction, while many other buildings remain untouched.
The military’s operations, launched following growing pressure to address the booming scam industry, have resulted in damage primarily concentrated in one area, according to Eric Heintz, a global analyst at the International Justice Mission. He emphasizes the need for continual monitoring to determine if the military action is genuine or merely public relations.
Satellite imagery reveals that structures around certain courtyards have been dismantled, yet crucial buildings integral to the scams remain standing. According to Mechelle B Moore, CEO of Global Alms, a nonprofit that aids victims of trafficking, the military’s claims of dismantling all areas of KK Park are misleading. Many key operations continue to function despite the government’s assertions.
KK Park, once fields near Myawaddy, has morphed into a sprawling compound that houses countless individuals under duress, often tricked or coerced into participating in scams, some of which are linked to organized crime. Trafficking victims frequently have their passports confiscated and may face brutal consequences for noncompliance. The scams operated out of these compounds generate significant revenues, often at the expense of their victims’ well-being.
Since October, the junta has targeted KK Park and another site known as Shwe Kokko, both of which are associated with telecom fraud and illegal gambling. Government statements disclose that hundreds of buildings have been demolished and thousands of undocumented individuals have been detained during this crackdown.
Despite the military’s narrative of extensive action, various experts label these operations as primarily considerations of public image. While the government has captured headlines with reports of large-scale demolitions, many fear that the lack of comprehensive action against all scam operations suggests a calculated move to defuse international criticism rather than a sincere commitment to eradicating human trafficking.
The situation is complex; not only do resistance groups appear to be gaining ground by disrupting these criminal enterprises, but the illegality surrounding the activities of these compounds necessitates that authorities properly identify trafficking victims rather than treating them as criminals.
As the military continues its operations, the need for a systematic response to the underlying criminal networks remains pressing, particularly for those who have been caught in the crossfire as victims and not perpetrators.
