Myanmar Junta Crony’s UK Trip Sparks Calls for Renewed Sanctions

Calls for renewed sanctions have emerged after videos and photos surfaced on social media showing Aung Ko Win, one of Myanmar’s most powerful businessmen and a long‑time associate of Myanmar’s military leadership, traveling on a privately chartered helicopter in the UK and playing golf there last week. The footage was posted by Aung Ko Win’s close associate Moe San Aung.

Aung Ko Win, a protégé of former junta No. 2 Maung Aye, is known for keeping a low profile. His sudden public appearance abroad—at a time when the Myanmar military’s proxy party is preparing to form a government following the completion of the regime’s ongoing election—has drawn widespread attention.

He is the head of the Kanbawza (KBZ) Group, a sprawling conglomerate with interests in banking, aviation, mining, insurance, construction and tourism.