EU sanctions DKBA and 5 top officials over alleged links to online scam operations in Myawaddy

MizzimaEAE Mizzima. The European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on July 30 against the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and five of its top officials, accusing them of providing security and protection to online scam operations (call centers) in Myanmar's Myawaddy Township and profiting from these criminal activities. While the EU's official statement on July 30 clearly stated sanctions against the DKBA organization, the names of the five DKBA officials sanctioned jointly were not individually disclosed. Of the seven individuals sanctioned this time, only Chen Zhi and Zhu Zhongbiao were named. According to the EU's official document, the DKBA has been accused of providing security and protection to call center operations, allowing them to continue operating, and supporting criminal networks within their controlled territories. The EU also stated that individuals trapped in call centers are subjected to torture, violence, and inhumane treatment, and that some DKBA members have been involved in beating and torturing victims of human trafficking who were handcuffed. This is not the first time the DKBA has faced sanctions. On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned the DKBA and four of its top leaders: former Commander-in-Chief Saw Steel, Chief of Staff Saw Sein Win, Military Affairs Chief Saw San Aung, and Chairman of the Central Economic Committee Sai Kyaw Hla. According to the U.S. Treasury Department's statement, Sai Kyaw Hla founded the Thaichan call center near Myawaddy, and it is alleged that the DKBA profits from this operation. Furthermore, separate investigations by media outlets, including Mizzima, have revealed that another call center named Deeko Park is controlled by Major Saw E Htoo, the son of DKBA leader Saw Steel. This point is not included in the U.S. or EU sanctions list. Under the EU's sanctions, assets within EU territory belonging to the sanctioned individuals and organizations will be frozen, and EU citizens and companies will be prohibited from providing them with financial or economic resources. Additionally, the sanctioned individuals will be banned from entering and transiting through EU countries. This time, the EU sanctioned seven individuals and three organizations, citing their alleged involvement in call center operations in Southeast Asia. In addition to the DKBA, Prince Holding Group, a Cambodia-based entity, and its chairman Chen Zhi, as well as Jin Bei Group and its chairman Zhu Zhongbiao, were also included. Prior to this, in October 2024, the EU had sanctioned Chit Lin Myat Company Group, Colonel Saw Chit Thu, Lieutenant Colonel Mut Son, and Major Tin Win, alleging they profited from call center operations in and around Shwe Kokko in Myawaddy Township. This group was not the DKBA but the BGF/KNA operating in the Myawaddy region. The DKBA has previously denied profiting from or assisting call center operations through its Facebook page in response to U.S. sanctions. Editor: Naung Naung The post EU sanctions DKBA and 5 top officials over alleged links to online scam operations in Myawaddy appeared first on BUR.MIZZIMA.COM.