Thu Mar 13 17:07:18 UTC 2025: ## Starlink’s Role in Myanmar Scam Call Centers Investigated After Repatriation of 549 Indians

**New Delhi, March 14, 2025** – Indian authorities are investigating a possible link between the use of Starlink internet services and a network of scam call centers operating along the Thai-Myanmar border. This follows the repatriation of 549 Indian citizens who were forced to work in these centers.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) repatriated the individuals in two batches, on Monday and Wednesday. The victims, described as being trapped in “cyber slavery” by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), were reportedly employed by call centers defrauding Indian citizens. The centers operated in areas with lax law enforcement.

The investigation focuses on the reported use of Starlink internet connectivity within these call centers. While Starlink doesn’t officially operate in Myanmar, reports and testimonials indicate its use by various groups, including rebel outfits, humanitarian organizations, and journalists working in the conflict-ridden areas. David Eubank, founder of Free Burma Rangers, publicly thanked Elon Musk for Starlink’s service in Myanmar in June 2023.

This suspicion is fueled by a February report from WIRED, highlighting the use of Starlink devices in Myawaddy, Myanmar, to circumvent crackdowns by Thai authorities. The Indian Embassy in Myanmar confirmed that the repatriated citizens were rescued from “scam compounds” near Mae Sot, Thailand.

The investigation into Starlink’s potential role raises concerns about the ease with which these fraudulent operations can leverage satellite internet to bypass local restrictions and exploit vulnerable Indian job seekers. The I4C is working to determine the full extent of the tech support used by these operations.

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