A MYANMAR tycoon linked to the upper echelons of his country’s ruling military junta and facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges in Thailand was ordered by court to an initial 12-day detention on Sept. 20, Matichon newspaper said today (Sept. 23).
Tun Min Latt, 53, was arrested in Bangkok in a dawn raid last week after which three Thais, a 38-year-old man and two women aged 44 and 50 respectively, were also similarly arrested and detained.
Three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Tun Min Latt, who has business interests in hotels, energy and mining, is a close associate of Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and has procured supplies for the military.
Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy police spokesperson, said Tun Min Latt was arrested at a condominium on the 41st floor of a residential complex on Rama 9 road where he owned altogether three units worth 30 million baht on Sept. 17.
This was followed by the arrest of the three Thai suspects in Chiang Rai province.
Police moved to arrest the four suspects after investigation of four to five drug cases revealed a money trail to the Myanmar tycoon.
Investigation also showed that proceeds from the drug trade were laundered with some of it used to pay electricity bills of various companies in the network totalling 135 million baht.
Several agencies were involved in the arrest of Tun Min Latt including the Metropolitan Police, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and the Anti-Money Laundering Office.
CAPTION:
Tun Min Latt, left, and Thai police logo, right. Photo: Matichon
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