Myanmar Claims Starlink Used by Cyber Fraud Syndicates

Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has accused Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service of facilitating rampant online fraud syndicates operating within the country. He asserted that the service is among the tools exploited by these criminal networks.

This accusation comes in the wake of an investigation by Agence France-Presse (AFP) in 2025. The AFP report highlighted a substantial increase in the use of Starlink devices by syndicates involved in various online scams. These operations reportedly include romance and investment fraud schemes targeting users both within Myanmar and potentially abroad.

The Myanmar junta's claims suggest a growing concern over the use of advanced communication technologies by illicit groups. The widespread nature of these scams, as indicated by the AFP investigation, poses a significant challenge for authorities attempting to curb cybercrime. The specific details of how Starlink is allegedly being utilized by these syndicates remain under scrutiny.