Justice For Myanmar campaigns to block tycoons supporting junta; launches “Dirty Over 30” list

In a bold move to spotlight financial and material supporters of the illegal Myanmar military junta, Justice For Myanmar has unveiled its inaugural “Dirty Over 30” list, a spoof on the renowned “Forbes 30 Under 30.”

The list identifies nine tycoons allegedly channeling funds, arms, and related equipment to the junta, primarily via Singapore, the third-largest supplier to the Myanmar military.

This initiative from the ensemble of undercover activists, who are fervently working to promote justice and accountability for Myanmar’s citizens, comes in the lead-up to the 2023 ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.

The goal is to increase pressure on Singapore and its fellow ASEAN member nations to rigorously impede the flow of funds and weaponry to the Myanmar junta

A Closer Look at the Dirty Over 30

The nine individuals, highlighted as the embodiments of corrupt business practices, are accused of accumulating substantial wealth while backing actions in Myanmar marked by atrocities and war crimes.

This edition zeroes in on those who maintain business operations in Singapore, including:

1. Tay Za, Founder and Chairperson, Htoo Group of Companies
2. Naing Htut Aung, Founder and Managing Director, International Gateways Group of Companies
3. Aung Hlaing Oo, Founder and Managing Director, Myanmar Chemical & Machinery Group
4. Aung Moe Myint, Founder and Director, Dynasty Group of Companies
5. Tun Min Latt, Founder and Managing Director, Star Sapphire Group of Companies
6. Khin Phyu Win, Founder and Director, Asia Sun Group of Companies
7. Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thaung, CEO, KT Group
8. Thein Win Zaw, Founder and Chairperson, Shwe Byain Phyu Group of Companies
9. George Yin Soon, Investor

Justice For Myanmar claims that it has used a combination of genuine photographs and advanced AI facial composites to craft detailed profiles of these individuals, delving into their lives and alleged murky business activities.

Singapore’s Role in the Crisis

While the Singaporean government has previously declared its intent to halt arms shipments to Myanmar, current outcomes seem inadequate.

A UN report highlights 138 distinct Singapore-based suppliers trading with the Myanmar military, accumulating a substantial $247 million in trade value.

If Singapore were to decisively cut off these military supplies, it would profoundly hamper the junta’s capacity to perpetrate war crimes, says Justice For Myanmar.

The situation in Myanmar has taken a dark turn since the 2021 coup attempt.

Reports indicate that the Myanmar military has been responsible for the deaths of over 4,000 individuals, with many casualties resulting from reckless airstrikes.

Justice For Myanmar’s Recommendations

Justice For Myanmar is urging Singapore to:

• Enforce sanctions to terminate both direct and indirect transfers of arms and related technologies to the Myanmar military.
• Restrict the junta’s engagement with Singapore’s financial framework, emphasizing targeted sanctions, particularly on junta-affiliated banks.
• Speed up and publicly disclose investigations concerning Singaporean entities that have been supplying the Myanmar military.
• Advocate for more robust sanctions from other ASEAN members against the Myanmar military and collaborating businesses.