Satellite Imagery and Phone Data Reveal Romance Scam Centers Still Expanding Despite Crackdowns

Mobile phone tracking data reveals the interconnectedness of Myanmar's scam centers. Analysis of millions of location records shows movement of workers between major compounds. These compounds house individuals forced into romance scams. Victims are defrauded through fabricated online relationships. Workers face harsh conditions, including beatings and electric shocks. One worker described 16-hour days and brutal treatment. Satellite imagery confirms ongoing construction at many suspected scam sites. Social media posts corroborate the findings. Over 66,000 individuals were deported in a crackdown, but operations continue. The data highlights the scale and persistence of this criminal network.