12-1-2024 (SINGAPORE) An arms dealer linked to the Myanmar junta, Kyaw Min Oo, has been fined in Singapore after attempting to leave the country without declaring half a million dollars. Investigations by The Straits Times revealed that Kyaw’s personal details aligned with those listed on sanctions issued by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Canada.
Kyaw, along with two other Myanmar nationals, Wai Sar Tun and Win Myint, was apprehended on June 15, 2023, at Changi Airport Terminal 1, carrying cash exceeding $20,000 out of the country. Wai had $250,000, Win had $249,000, and Kyaw was carrying $9,925.
The trio was convicted on Dec 26, 2023, with Kyaw fined $10,000, and the other two fined $5,000 each. The Irrawaddy news outlet reported that Kyaw was an arms dealer for the Myanmar regime, a claim corroborated by ST through court documents and various governments’ sanction lists.
Wai is identified as Kyaw’s business partner, while Win is listed as an associate through Kyaw’s business dealings. Win served as the director of five companies dealing with helicopter and aircraft spare parts. The US sanctioned Kyaw in November 2022, accusing him of facilitating arms deals and performing upgrades for Myanmar’s military aircraft.
The EU and the UK followed with sanctions in February and October 2023, respectively, freezing his assets and imposing travel restrictions. Canada prohibited citizens from engaging in any activity related to Kyaw’s assets. Despite his conviction in Singapore, Kyaw was not deported and reportedly left the country voluntarily.
