Myanmar authorities have arrested 21 people accused of transferring money to an online fundraising platform associated with the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), according to state media reports.
Authorities said they had identified information involving more than 2,700 people who allegedly provided financial support through the People’s Revolution Supply Family (PRF) website. The arrests come amid continued political unrest and armed conflict in Myanmar following the military takeover in February 2021.
21 People Arrested Across Multiple Townships
The authorities said the 21 individuals were identified following investigations into financial transfers connected to the PRF platform. The people arrested were reported to be from several townships across Myanmar, including areas in Shan State, Mandalay Region, Naypyidaw and Yangon Region.
Officials said legal proceedings would be initiated against those arrested. Investigations are also continuing to identify other people allegedly connected with financial contributions to the platform.
Authorities further said financial accounts identified as being associated with the fundraising activity could be closed and confiscated under applicable laws.
More Than 2,700 People Allegedly Linked to Fundraising
According to the state media report, authorities obtained details of more than 2,700 people who allegedly provided financial support through different payment channels connected with the PRF website.
The reported figures include around 700 people who allegedly used Wave Pay, about 1,000 through NUG Pay and another 1,000 through SDB Bank. The fundraising platform was established by the NUG to collect financial support for its activities.
The NUG did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the arrests.
Myanmar’s Political Conflict Continues
Myanmar has remained embroiled in political and armed conflict since the February 2021 military coup that removed the country’s civilian government. The NUG operates as a parallel administration and includes former political figures and anti-coup groups.
Armed groups aligned with the NUG, including the People’s Defence Force, have been fighting Myanmar’s military alongside several ethnic armed organizations in different parts of the country.
Opposition groups have also relied on alternative fundraising methods, including online campaigns, cryptocurrency, overseas transfers and other payment channels, particularly as access to Myanmar’s conventional financial system has become increasingly restricted.
The latest arrests highlight the continued scrutiny of financial support for opposition-linked organizations as Myanmar’s political crisis and armed conflict persist.
