Satellite imagery analysis reveals that over 25 suspected scam compounds have emerged or expanded significantly in Myanmar's Myawaddy region near the Thai border since early 2026.These operations, often run by Chinese organized crime groups, involve human trafficking victims forced to conduct scams targeting global victims.

Despite a purported military crackdown last year, new compounds are appearing rapidly, with some transitioning from empty fields to operational sites in just months.The compounds require extensive infrastructure, including roads and housing for trafficked workers, and utilize technologies like Starlink internet.International sanctions have been imposed, but enforcement remains weak as criminal networks relocate operations.

Researchers confirm that many previously raided sites have been repopulated, indicating the persistent and growing scale of this global criminal enterprise.

The situation highlights systemic failures in combating human trafficking and cybercrime, with victims from over 60 countries ensnared in these operations.