July 12, 2024

Junta troops in Yangon have been conducting phone checks and extorting money from civilians, particularly in busy areas and central parts of the city, including the city center. Reports indicate that these actions include seizing phones, demanding money, and physically assaulting those who refuse to comply.

Recently, near a security checkpoint in Myaynigone, Sanchaung Township, young men passing by have been subjected to phone checks. If VPNs or any content related to the resistance movement is found on their phones, they face detention and extortion. Those unable to pay substantial amounts are often beaten.

“My younger brother was stopped around 10 AM near Myaynigone. They checked his phone and took all the money in his wallet. He works in an office near Myaynigone and was heading there when they stopped and beat him without any reason. Now he’s in the hospital, and the office has given him leave. These extortions happen in broad daylight,” said a family member of one victim to New Day Myanmar.

Another local resident explained, “It’s not just Myaynigone. Sometimes they patrol by car in areas like Sanchaung, Hledan, Nanattaw Road, and along Insein Road. They also target people in Kamayut. During one of these checks, I had my phone inspected, but luckily I had deleted my VPN. If they find a VPN, they extort money. They even beat people who don’t carry their phones.”

“Patrols are frequent on the main roads in Kamayut. They stop vehicles and people on the road, including cyclists. Once, they detained me and took my phone, only returning it after my family paid them. This happened before the conscription law, and now it’s even worse. Young men are especially targeted for conscription,” added another resident from Kamayut Township.

In recent months, the junta’s crackdown has intensified around Insein and Mayangone areas. Now, frequent patrols and checks have been reported in Sanchaung, Kyimyindaing, Kamayut, and Ahlone townships, with a particular focus on young men of conscription age.