Phyo/Pearl (NP News) - November 4
A source close to the DKBA told the Statesman Journal that if Saw San Aung and Sai Kyaw Hla continue to involve in online scams, they will face possible expulsion from the DKBA.
Although General Saw Shwe Wah, Chief of Staff of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), attended the ceremony and workshop marking the 11th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) held last October, the aforementioned source stated that DKBA officers Sai Kyaw Hla and Saw San Aung are involved in online scam operations.
It is also reported that, having used the proceeds from such online scams to acquire advanced heavy weaponry, they no longer fully submit to the authority of General Saw Shwe Wah.
“Saw Shwe Wah attended the NCA anniversary while Sai Kyaw Hla and Saw San Aung are still continuing online fraud operations as much as they can. An online scam-backed level of Saw San Aung and Sai Kyaw Hla can utilize technology that no other armed group capable of competing with the Tatmadaw can use. For example, they can use FPVs, and as for drones, they can use large, advanced ones worth three to four hundred million kyats. Because they have access to these capabilities, they no longer want to obey Saw Shwe Wah's authority. Now, Saw San Aung and Sai Kyaw Hla no longer operate under his command,” a source close to the DKBA told The Statesman Journal.
It is also reported that there is talk of the DKBA expelling the two individuals if they continue to be involved in such online scams.
“There are reports that the DKBA will expel them if they continue operating like this—continuing online scam operations and engaging in direct confrontations with the Tatmadaw. They are openly working with PDF groups. It’s like saying, ‘Use more drugs tonight, then scale it back a bit today.’ That’s how things are going. Since they have PDF groups at their disposal to exploit, it works out quite conveniently for them,” they said.
The source above also assessed that the DKBA is scheduled to hold a conference this coming December, where minor organizational changes and certain policy shifts could take place.
“The DKBA will hold a conference in December. Major changes are unlikely, but there may be shifts regarding how the organization intends to move forward—specifically concerning individuals whose reputations have been tarnished by involvement in online scams. While there won’t be any changes at the top leadership level, there might be some reshuffling among lower-ranking members. Alternatively, there could be changes to their policies,” he said.
It is also reported that the Tatmadaw is currently intensifying its crackdown on online scams. –
