Myanmar Civil War: Illicit Scams, Resource Loot, Human Cost

Gaining access to Myanmar as a journalist is exceptionally difficult, with rare exceptions made for significant events like Armed Forces Day. During such times, the military orchestrates displays of power and national unity, aiming to project an image of control. However, the reality on the ground is starkly different: the military and its allies control at most 40-45% of the country.

The Ongoing Civil War and Its Impact

Myanmar is embroiled in a brutal civil war, largely forgotten by the global media despite its immense scale and complexity. The conflict pits the military junta against over two dozen rebel groups, some of whom have been fighting the government for decades and occasionally clash among themselves. This war is not just about territory and political control; it is also deeply intertwined with illicit trade, hidden resources, and underground deals that make war more profitable than peace.

The human cost of this conflict is staggering: - Over 100,000 people have been killed. - Hundreds of thousands more have been injured. - Millions are displaced, with many seeking refuge in monasteries or crossing borders illegally into neighboring countries like Thailand.

One such displaced person is Zin Mar Wai, who, along with her two daughters, found refuge in a monastery after months of travel. Her village was later devastated by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake, one of the largest in a century, which killed around 1,700 people. Zin Mar Wai hopes her village can be rebuilt so her four-year-old daughter can attend school, but like millions of others, she is largely helpless as the war continues.

A Complex History of Conflict

Myanmar, formerly Burma, gained independence in 1948. This was followed by a period of repressive military rule starting in the 1960s, leading to international isolation and severe poverty. A glimmer of hope emerged in 2011 with democratic reforms, notably the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. Her National League for Democracy won the 2015 election in a landslide, and the economy boomed.

However, this period of relative openness was short-lived. In 2021, the military staged a coup, arresting Aung San Suu Kyi and sparking massive protests. The military responded with brutal force, using live ammunition against protestors. Many young people, including students, fled to forests, reinventing themselves as guerrillas and forming alliances with existing rebel groups to fight the junta.

The Role of Natural Resources and Illicit Activities

Myanmar is one of the most resource-rich countries globally, with significant reserves of gemstones, timber, and copper. While some rebel groups fight for ideological reasons, others are motivated by control over these valuable natural resources. For example, the TNLA, an ethnic armed group, took control of Mogok, a region famous for its rubies, in 2024. They began charging local diggers for the right to work their plots, forcing miners to find ways to circumvent the system.

Beyond natural resources, a more significant source of illicit income comes from scam centers. These centers, often located along the Thai-Myanmar border in places like Shwe Kokko, generate billions, if not tens of billions, of dollars in revenue. These operations often involve human trafficking, with individuals lured by false promises of high-paying jobs in customer service, only to be held captive and forced to engage in online scams, particularly crypto trading.

One former scammer, whose identity was concealed for safety, described how he was recruited with promises of free room and board and a starting salary of 30,000 baht (about $900). He worked in crypto trading, where customers were tricked into downloading fake foreign currency exchange apps. They would exchange real money for coins, which were then transferred to scammer-controlled applications, effectively stealing their funds. Scammers typically target individuals multiple times, starting with small amounts and escalating to thousands of dollars.

This illicit revenue directly funds various combatants in the war, including the military junta. Opponents argue that the junta, facing international sanctions and financial strain, relies on these scam operations to fund its fight against its own people. They believe the military prioritizes its own interests and those of its families over the welfare of the country.

A Bleak Outlook

The capital, Naypyidaw, where many generals and senior officials reside, stands in stark contrast to the suffering of the general population. Houses are fortified with walls and razor wire, reflecting the isolation of the ruling elite. The country is also grappling with severe fuel restrictions, exacerbating the economic collapse and daily hardships for ordinary citizens.

Despite a veneer of normalcy in cities like Mandalay, which serves as a hub for commodity flows, the underlying conflict and economic distress are pervasive.

There is currently no end in sight for the war. No side is achieving a decisive victory on the battlefield, and with so much money being generated through illicit means, the combatants lack a strong incentive to cease fighting. Tragically, regardless of who is in power, very little of this vast wealth reaches the ordinary people of Myanmar.