Myanmar junta issues arrest warrant for businessman with ties to top generals

Myanmar’s military regime has issued a warrant for the arrest of Kyaw Lin, a Kawthaung-based businessman wanted in Thailand for his alleged involvement in illegal online gambling operations. The warrant was issued on Wednesday, a week after Thai authorities named Kyaw Lin and 17 others as suspects in an ongoing investigation into a host of criminal activities that also include fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. Last week, Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) raided 27 locations in Bangkok and Ranong—a southern Thai town located opposite Kawthaung—linked to Kyaw Lin and the others and seized weapons, jewellery, and other valuables. Seven of the named suspects have also been arrested, while 11, including Kyaw Lin, remain at large. Kyaw Lwin, also known as Sanga Kangval, is a Thai citizen and the alleged leader of an online fraud gang called Ko Fuk. In a statement, Myanmar’s junta identified him as a resident of Kawthaung’s Annawa ward. The regime also stated that he was wanted for running illegal gambling businesses and laundering profits earned from these operations. Kyaw Lin is the owner of the Andaman Club, a company that operates Myanmar’s only legal casino, located near Kawthaung in southern Tanintharyi Region. Established in 1992 by a Thai company, the casino was handed over to the Andaman Club in 2015 after its original owners failed to pay more than US$11 million in land rental fees. Kyaw Lin’s company agreed to pay the overdue fees in exchange for permission to operate the casino and attached hotel for 50 years. Thar Kyaw, the founder of Maittasahara, a social welfare group based in Ranong, said the junta’s move comes after years of turning a blind eye to Kyaw Lin’s activities. “This is just for show, to look good in the eyes of other countries,” he said, noting that the regime would likely expect “favours” from the Thais in exchange for cooperating with their investigations. Kyaw Lwin has long had close ties to both Thai and Myanmar army generals. He also has licenses to operate businesses in Ranong, including a hotel and a gas import business. “They have no future now, as international pressure is closing in on them,” said one Ranong resident. “This is what happens to all junta-affiliated businesses in the end.”

Myanmar junta issues arrest warrant for businessman with ties to top generals

The move comes a week after Thai authorities raided properties linked to alleged illegal activities by the Kawthaung-based casino owner

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