A powerful US Congressional committee has initiated an investigation into SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service over allegations that its technology is being utilized by illegal online scam centers operating in Myanmar. The inquiry focuses on whether the satellite service is facilitating criminal organizations that have defrauded US citizens out of billions of dollars.
Congressional Scrutiny
The Joint Economic Committee of the US Congress, a bipartisan body composed of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, confirmed that the investigation began in July. Senator Maggie Hassan, a leading committee member, has specifically urged Elon Musk to address the issue following warnings from political figures in the US and Thailand, which shares a border with Myanmar.
Concerns were initially raised after prosecutors in California publicly warned Starlink that its system was reportedly being exploited by scam operations in Myanmar, a warning that allegedly went unanswered. The committee now holds the authority to summon Musk, the owner of Starlink, to testify regarding the company's knowledge and actions (or inactions) concerning the alleged misuse.
Starlink’s Role in a Criminal Hub
The investigation centers on sophisticated scam complexes in regions like Myawaddy, Myanmar, near the Thai border, and parts of Cambodia. These complexes are reportedly controlled by organized crime syndicates, primarily from China, and rely on forced labor and human trafficking to operate massive online fraud schemes. US Treasury officials estimate that American citizens lost over $10 billion to these scams in 2024 alone, a substantial 66% increase from the previous year.
Evidence suggests that following a crackdown campaign earlier this year, new construction and renovation have exploded at these guarded complexes. Satellite imagery and drone footage show that structures within notorious sites, such as KK Park in Myawaddy, have been outfitted with Starlink antennas. Data from the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) indicates that Starlink became the largest internet provider in Myanmar between July and October, coinciding with the construction boom at these remote, highly protected scam hubs.
The allegations suggest that Starlink’s high-speed, border-circumventing service is enabling these criminal enterprises to operate unhindered by traditional local infrastructure shutdowns, making the US satellite network a crucial tool for their illegal operations. SpaceX has yet to issue an official statement regarding the Congressional investigation.
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