Myanmar's military government is pressing ahead with a crackdown on entrepreneurs in Mon State, arresting at least 15 business owners for tax evasion and alleged support of opposition groups.
On 26 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Myanmar's military authorities arrested at least 15 entrepreneurs in Mon State under orders from the military government's Ministry of Planning and Finance. This is part of strict measures on tax collection and financial source investigations. Business insiders revealed the raids targeted fuel importers, food suppliers, and gold shops, while the Revenue Department began investigating those detained since November.
Reports state that the arrests followed raids by district-level military intelligence and the Special Investigation Department during June–July. The investigations extended beyond income and expenses to include donations and financial channels, viewed as efforts to pursue financial backers of the anti-military opposition.
Earlier in late 2023, General Aung Laing, coup leader, ordered all ministries to expedite full tax collection, citing widespread tax evasion. The military government believes opposition groups benefit from illegal cross-border trade, intensifying tax crackdowns this year. The Revenue Department warned that tax evaders, underpayments, or falsification of tax data may face prosecution under tax and anti-money laundering laws.
Source: Irrawaddy