EU sanctions DKBA and crime syndicate head over Myanmar-linked cyberscams

What happened

Myanmar Now English reports that the European Union has imposed sanctions on the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), a Myanmar armed group controlling territory on the Myanmar-Thailand border, over its role in hosting large-scale scam centres involved in online fraud. The EU’s measures also target Chen Zhi, chair of the Prince Holding Group, a conglomerate alleged to run scam centres in Cambodia and Myanmar, accused of cryptocurrency investment scams and trafficking victims.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. According to the EU, these scam centres lure victims through false pretences, traffick individuals who are then forced to execute online scams targeting users worldwide. The EU further reports that soldiers of the DKBA have been involved in violence against trafficked victims held inside these compounds. The DKBA was previously sanctioned by the US in November last year for similar reasons.

The crackdown forms part of a broader international pressure campaign on Cambodian authorities, as Cambodia has become a hub for syndicates operating fake romantic and cryptocurrency scams exploiting internet users globally. The founder of Prince Holding Group, Chen Zhi, has already been extradited from Cambodia to China, following sanctions by the US and UK. The EU’s actions align with efforts by multiple countries to diminish the reach of these transnational cybercrime networks.

Known from the source

• The EU imposed sanctions on the DKBA and Prince Holding Group chair Chen Zhi related to scam centres in Myanmar and Cambodia.
• The DKBA controls territory on the Myanmar-Thailand border.
• Chen Zhi was extradited from Cambodia to China in January.
• The scam centres reportedly involve cryptocurrency investment and other fraudulent schemes.
• The DKBA has been previously sanctioned by the US in November 2025.

What remains unclear

This update coincides with Myanmar Now’s reflection on a decade of reporting under conditions of political repression, emphasizing the ongoing complexities of justice and governance in Myanmar. It highlights the challenge in addressing illicit activities intertwined with armed groups amid Myanmar's protracted conflict and administrative vacuum in border regions.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verification of DKBA soldiers’ reported participation in violence against trafficked victims within scam centres. Independent confirmation of the current operational status of scam centres in DKBA-controlled territory. Any direct evidence linking DKBA leadership to the scam operations beyond permitting their existence.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Myanmar Now English. Open the source.