Archive · 19 Nov 2025
SpaceX Disables Starlink Devices at Myanmar Scam Centers
SpaceX turned off its Starlink internet service for more than 2,500 devices at scam centers in Myanmar.
These places trick people into sending money by pretending to be in love or offering business deals.
The Myanmar military raided one of these centers, but experts say they might not be doing enough to stop the scams.
The online scam business is big and growing, especially in Southeast Asia.
SpaceX cut service to over 2,500 Starlink devices at Myanmar scam centers
Scam centers have thrived along Myanmar's border, targeting foreigners with romance and business scams
Myanmar's junta raided KK Park, a notorious scam center, and seized Starlink terminals
Experts suggest Myanmar's military turns a blind eye to scam centers for profit and political reasons
The global online scam industry is booming, with Southeast Asia being a hotspot
- Who
- SpaceX, Myanmar's military, scammers, victims of scams
- What
- SpaceX disabled Starlink devices, Myanmar's military raided a scam center
- When
- October 22, 2023 (SpaceX announcement), ongoing (scam activities)
- Where
- Myanmar, particularly along its border with Thailand
- Why
- To stop scammers from using Starlink internet, to crack down on illegal activities
SpaceX and Myanmar's military
Scammers and their supporters
Action against scam centers
SpaceX and Myanmar's military
SpaceX disabled Starlink devices, Myanmar's military raided a scam center
Scammers and their supporters
Scammers and their supporters argue that the crackdown will only push the activities underground or to other locations
- Number of Starlink devices disabled
- Over 2,500
- Estimated annual loss from online scams in Southeast Asia
- Up to $37 billion
- Number of South Koreans deported from Cambodia for scam links
- 64
- Number of Starlink terminals seized by Myanmar's junta
- 30
- Estimated number of scam centers in Myanmar
- Hundreds