Senior Myanmar officials have accused leaders of the Karen National Union (KNU) of engaging in illegal land exploitation and online gambling operations at a controversial border development known as KK Park.
As reported by The Nation, Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for the National Defence and Security Council, claimed KNU leaders were "directly involved" in the project, which he said was designed to generate profit from state-owned land without government authorisation.
According to Zaw Min Tun, gambling businesses have been operating at the site with protection services provided in exchange for payment. The alleged proceeds are believed to have been channelled into activities supporting armed resistance against the state.
KK Park, located south of Myawady near the Thai-Myanmar border, falls under KNU Brigade 6's control. The site was originally established in 2015 as a peace symbol with support from Japan's Nippon Foundation. Authorities allege that KNU forces later seized full control, expelling residents and restricting access to allied groups.
The KNU's Mulaei Ahlin Company Limited reportedly signed a 30-year lease in February 2020 with a Thai-based developer for around 100 acres of land at a rate of THB 35,000 (US$950) per acre annually, totalling THB 3.5m a year. Additional monthly "security fees" of THB 500,000 were also allegedly agreed.
The contract signed was to transfer the company operations to Troth Star Company, allegedly led by a KNU major general.
Authorities further claimed that investors from Sihanoukville, Cambodia's casino hub, relocated to the project after Cambodia banned online gambling in 2019. Zaw Min Tun said these developments demonstrate that "the KNU has turned to transnational criminal networks for funding."
In May 2022, a new contract was said to have been signed with Trans Asia International Holding Group
