On November 12, 2025, the OFAC designated the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and four senior leaders for supporting Burma-based cyber scam centers that target Americans through fraudulent investment schemes. In addition, the OFAC designated three other organizations linked to Chinese organized crime and have worked with the DKBA and other armed groups to develop these scam centers.
According to the Treasury, cyber scam networks based in Southeast Asia are increasingly targeting Americans, with U.S. government estimates showing losses exceeding $10 billion in 2024, a 66 percent increase from the prior year. These criminal groups recruit individuals to work in scam centers under false pretenses and then coerce them through debt bondage, violence, and threats of forced prostitution to defraud victims online via messaging apps or text messages. People running these scams often pretend to build romantic relationships or friendships to gain a victim’s trust, then persuade them to “invest” in virtual assets on fake websites the scammers control. Once the money is deposited, the scammers steal it. They recruit English speakers to target Americans, sometimes setting daily quotas, and some U.S. victims have lost millions of dollars or even their life savings.
In addition to the DKBA, OFAC designated Trans Asia International Holding Group Thailand Company Limited, Troth Star Company Limited, and Thai national Chamu Sawang for providing support to cyber activities based outside the United States that threaten U.S. national security and financial stability. These activities involved the theft or misuse of money, personal data, or other sensitive information for financial gain.
All property and interests in property of the designated persons that are in the United States or held by U.S. persons are blocked, and any entities they own 50 percent or more are also blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with these individuals or entities, and anyone who engages with them may risk sanctions or enforcement actions.
Read the Treasury’s press release here.