In Pazundaung Township, Yangon, police and administrators arrested a civilian on allegations of lottery selling and demanded 32 million kyats (approximately USD 15,000) in February. The incident involved U Maung Myint, a resident of Zizawa Street in Ward 8, who was arrested and taken to the Pazundaung Township Police Station. Following the arrest, Township Police Commander Police Major Min Han, Station Commander Police Captain Zaw Zaw, Local Security Police Lieutenant Nyi Min Naing, Ward Administrator Colonel Kyaw Min, and militia member Jo Jo demanded the money from the victim.
According to local residents, this extortion was carried out without the knowledge of Ward 8 Administrator Myo Myint, and was instead orchestrated by militia member Jo Jo and Ward 7 Administrator Colonel Kyaw Min in collaboration with police officers. The victim was forced to pay the demanded amount after being falsely accused of selling lottery tickets, and the extorted money was reportedly shared among the perpetrators.
In a similar incident in Myitkyina, Kachin State, on March 19, military personnel and police officers accused a civilian of drug use during a street check and seized two ticals of gold (approximately 1.2 ounces). The incident occurred near Myanmar Economic Bank, where security forces stopped a motorcycle rider, accused him of drug use, physically assaulted him, and confiscated his gold. The victim attempted to seek help from a nearby police station, but his plea was ignored by the authorities.
These incidents reflect a broader pattern of extortion, threats, and robbery by military and police forces against civilians, which has reportedly increased since the military coup. Local residents report that it has become increasingly difficult for civilians to seek legal recourse or assistance, leaving them vulnerable to such abuses. The situation highlights the breakdown of law and order and the absence of legitimate authorities to whom citizens can turn for protection and justice.
