The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a seizure warrant to Starlink over satellite internet systems being used at scam compounds. With these scam compounds intensifying their activities of stealing funds from victims across the world, the United States law enforcement has continued to target their operations.
According to a report, these cybercriminals running scam compounds in Myanmar and other parts of Southeast Asia are now deploying Starlink satellite internet terminals. They use the technology, among others, to power their internet connectivity, enabling them to reach victims worldwide. In a warrant issued this week, U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Michael Harvey authorized the seizure of nine Starlink terminals and two Starlink accounts used in scam operations in Payathonzu, near the Myanmar-Thai border.
DOJ targets satellite systems used by scam compounds
In a linked affidavit submitted by FBI investigators, there are claims that the Starlink devices and accounts used by the criminals play an important role in the alleged money laundering and wire fraud operation targeting United States citizens. The affidavit also stated that Starlink’s parent company, SpaceX, should disable service to these devices. It claimed that at least 26 Starlink dishes were on the roofs of buildings used by these criminals.
In the second warrant and affidavit, which was not issued to Starlink, the DOJ focused on seizing websites used for scamming, claiming that at least 79 Starlink dishes appear on the roofs of buildings at the Tai Chang compound in Myanmar. According to United States officials, the activities in the building have been linked to the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, an armed group out of Myanmar that was sanctioned by the United States government this week.
The DOJ legal documents cite a WIRED investigation from earlier this year, which revealed that scam compounds in Myanmar have been using Starlink to access the internet. The report claimed that after the compound was cut off from the internet, it has been using Starlink to continue its operation. Starlink, which is owned by Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, is a high-powered satellite internet service available to more than 150 countries worldwide.
Operations Strike Force to target crypto scammers
The action comes as part of the United States law enforcement initiative known as the District of Columbia Scam Center Strike Force that was announced by the DOJ, FBI, and Secret Service on Wednesday. The effort aims to combat crypto scams targeting Americans, especially fraud that originates from locations that have evolved their activities, including multiple Southeast Asian countries.
The Strike Force has already started its operation, with the DOJ claiming the seizure of more than $400 million in digital assets stolen from scam victims. “The Department of Justice will not stand by while Chinese organized crime victimizes Americans and bleeds dry the hard-earned investments of American citizens,” Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, said in a press conference.
Pirro also mentioned that the websites being used by these compounds in Southeast Asia that are used to victimize Americans have also been seized. She noted that they are seeking warrants to see satellite terminals and accounts being used by the perpetrators to connect to the internet. Meanwhile, SpaceX has yet to release any official statement, and it remains unknown if the company will follow the directives in the legal documents.
However, things are pointing towards the company following the directive. Last October, Lauren Dreyer, the vice president of Starlink Business Operations, claimed that the company “proactively identified and disabled” over 2,500 Starlink devices being used in the vicinity of scam compounds in Myanmar. Starlink usage in Myanmar has reportedly dropped since the announcement.
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