"As scam compounds in Southeast Asia continue to rake in billions of dollars in stolen funds from victims around the world, United States law enforcement aims to cut scammers off at the source by issuing seizure warrants for Starlink satellite internet terminals that provide cybercriminals with connectivity. Two US warrants and affidavits seen by WIRED detail how Starlink devices are allegedly being used by cybercriminals running scam compounds in Myanmar."
"One warrant, issued on Wednesday by US Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey, authorized the seizure of nine Starlink terminals and two Starlink accounts allegedly used in scam compounds in Payathonzu, near Three Pagodas Pass at the Myanmar-Thai border. A linked affidavit, written by FBI investigators, claims that the Starlink devices and accounts played a "substantial role" in an alleged money laundering and wire fraud operation targeting US citizens-saying Starlink parent company SpaceX should "disable service" to the devices."
"The second warrant and affidavit-which was not issued to Starlink but focused on seizing websites used in scamming-also claims that "at least" 79 Starlink dishes appear on the roofs of buildings at the notorious Tai Chang compound in Myanmar, which US officials say is controlled by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, an armed group in Myanmar which was sanctioned by the US government this week. The warrant was signed on Monday by US Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh."
US law enforcement issued seizure warrants targeting Starlink satellite internet terminals linked to scam compounds in Myanmar. One warrant authorized seizure of nine Starlink terminals and two accounts tied to compounds in Payathonzu near Three Pagodas Pass. An affidavit alleges the devices played a substantial role in money laundering and wire fraud against US citizens and recommends SpaceX disable service to those devices; investigators observed at least 26 Starlink dishes on compound roofs. A separate warrant focused on websites reported at least 79 Starlink dishes at the Tai Chang compound, which US officials say is controlled by the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and was recently sanctioned. Legal documents reference an investigation revealing scam centers in Myanmar used Starlink; Starlink is operated by SpaceX and serves over 150 countries.
Read at WIRED
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