Myanmar’s partial crackdown on KK Park scam compound raises doubts over junta’s intentions
Satellite images show Myanmar’s recent military “crackdown” on the KK Park scam hub caused limited damage, with around 100 buildings—about a quarter of the compound—destroyed or damaged. AFP analysis suggests the operation was largely a PR move to appease Chinese pressure. Despite explosions shown on TV, most of the complex remains, and construction continues, highlighting entrenched scam networks.
- Satellite images show only about a quarter of Myanmar’s notorious KK Park scam compound was damaged, despite military claims of full demolition.
- Analysts, including from the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime, say the junta staged the raids to appear cooperative with China while preserving the scam industry.
- Despite reports of 1,500 workers fleeing, most operations and infrastructure remain intact, highlighting the ongoing strength of Myanmar’s cross-border fraud networks.
YANGON, MYANMAR: A supposed military operation to dismantle one of Myanmar’s largest scam compounds has left much of the site intact, according to new satellite imagery analysed by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Images taken between 30 Oct to 9 November 2025 by Planet Labs PBC revealed that about 100 buildings at KK Park — roughly a quarter of the complex — were damaged or destroyed, contradicting state media reports that all structures were being demolished.
The compound’s central section, which had seen recent development, remained largely untouched.
Residents nearby reported hearing sporadic explosions, while state TV aired footage of demolitions.
However, experts noted that much of the site still stands, suggesting the operation was limited in scope.
Experts: Crackdown May Be a PR Move
Mr Jason Tower, a senior expert with the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime, said the military’s actions amounted to a “PR stunt” designed to project an image of decisive action while preserving the lucrative scam operations.
“The Myanmar military’s claims that it has dismantled scam syndicates are entirely false,” he said, describing the raids as an attempt to appease China, which has pressured the junta to shut down the scam networks.
Scam Industry Still Thriving Despite Raids
The KK Park compound, located in Myanmar’s lawless border region, remains one of the most notorious scam hubs, tied to cyber fraud and human trafficking.
An earlier AFP investigation in October found that construction continued despite prior “crackdowns,” pointing to a thriving underground industry worth millions.
While around 1,500 workers reportedly fled to Thailand after the latest raids, experts say thousands more stayed behind or shifted to nearby compounds.
The junta, which seized power in 2021, is believed to rely on criminal militias controlling these areas for both profit and influence.
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