Investigation methodsNikkei analyzed satellite imagery and nighttime light data to identify areas that had seen significant development over the past decade. It then cross-referenced public records and reports, and conducted interviews with experts from NGOs and the United Nations. The investigation was narrowed down to locations that were identified as scam centers by at least two independent sources.An additional investigation was conducted into 16 sites suspected of being scam centers. The latest satellite images were used to confirm whether construction had continued following a large-scale crackdown in February.The location data and footage of Huanya Park, which was used as a case study, were shared with Myanmar Witness, who assisted in verifying the placement of structures.The mobile device location data was provided by the French network analytics company nPerf. The company supplies global telecommunications data categorized by country and carrier.Documents indicating links between armed groups and scam centers were provided by JFM. The materials were downloaded from the database of Myanmar's Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA). Following the coup, access to the database has been restricted, and detailed information is no longer available.The worker who escaped from the compound was introduced by IJM on the condition of anonymity.
First seen: 2025-07-14 04:58
Last seen: 2025-07-14 08:59