KNU Probes Allegations of Collusion with Myawaddy Casino
By Network Media Group
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
A criminal investigation by the Karen National Union (KNU) into alleged business dealings of some of its top members with Chinese criminal organizations in the Huanya Chinese casino project, also known as KK Park, in Myawaddy, has not yet concluded, as stated by KNU chair Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win.
“Due to the limited time available for us to initiate the investigation, we have not yet reached the final stage,” he informed the media during a recent online press conference.
The KNU’s Brigade 5 and civil society organisations called for an investigation after a KK Park contract, reportedly bearing signatures of top KNU leaders, was shared on Facebook in late April. Following the recent 17th KNU Congress, a team comprising representatives from the KNU’s seven districts and other experts was assembled.
The park in Mawhto Talay is facing allegations of illegal gambling, cyber scams, forced labour, as well as connections with the Karen Border Guard Force, which has been fighting against the KNU alongside the Burmese army, and Yatai International, a company run by a Chinese fugitive who was arrested by Thai authorities last year.
Padoh Saw Ta Doh Moo, KNU General Secretary, stated, “The primary task of this investigation team is to determine whether KNU officers are connected to the new Chinese city project and criminal cases, and whether these KNU officers have violated KNU’s policies and regulations.” He assured that justice would be carried out in accordance with the organisation’s laws.
The investigation team was composed of 11 individuals.
