From what I understand, a number of them are Chinese nationals. I suspect that taking Chinese slaves might not be a great idea. China tends to carry a big stick; especially in that region.
Wouldn't surprise me, if the DOJ had some "under-the-table" help from Chinese sources, but not in any way that anyone can prove.
China permitted/sponsored rebels to seize a decent chunk of the Myanmar side of the Chinese/Myanmar border after a number of Chinese citizens (allegedly including some undercover Chinese police) were killed in a scam compound there.
Except it seems it's Chinese Nationals running the operations in the first place, who undoubtedly have connections to the CCP to tacitly look the other way.
Wouldn't surprise me, if the DOJ had some "under-the-table" help from Chinese sources, but not in any way that anyone can prove.
If you don't want to sign up for a podcast, John Oliver did a fairly decent bit about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLPpl2ISKTg