Myanmar Generals’ Long Tradition of Protecting Crime Bosses Is Being Tested

Myanmar has never been safe for its own people—least of all when the military rules. Yet under the military, the country has always been a safe haven for criminals. From drug kingpins to warlords, the generals have sheltered them for decades. And today, the country has become the perfect refuge for scam lords and their accomplices.

The previous ruling regime refused to extradite reputed opium lord Khun Sa after he surrendered to the regime in January 1996. The then foreign minister of the regime, Ohn Gyaw, clearly stated: “There is no question of extradition with any country.” The drug kingpin had been indicted by the US Justice Department in March 1990.