The Karen National Union (KNU) reported that an independent and unbiased investigative team has been established to look into allegations that a few KNU leaders had become involved shady business activities linked to a crime nexus of the Chinese new city project. close to the Thai- Myanmar border. However a final conclusion has not yet been reached regarding this matter.
During a press conference held on August 10, Karen National Union (KNU) President Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win issued this statement, “ We established an unbiased investigative team under the leadership of Padoh Saw Sae Ge, who serves as the vice-chairman of KNU, and oversees the defense department. This team comprises district representatives and experts with relevant knowledge. We established this team within a brief timeframe. Presently the team has initiated its activities; but we have not reached a final conclusion."
Earlier this year, accusations arose that certain high-ranking KNU leaders were allegedly engaged in economic activities related to the Hyunya Chinese new city project in the Maw Hto Talay region of Myawaddy Township, Karen State, as well as being associated with a gambling ring called KK Park, which reportedly involved Chinese criminal organizations. A contract linked to the Maw Hto Talay Chinese new city project, purportedly signed by certain KNU leaders, was also circulated on social media during the last week of April.
Following the disclosure of these contracts, the KNU 5th Brigade and Karen civil society organizations forwarded letters to the KNU headquarters, urging for inquiries into KNU leaders reportedly associated with gambling operations tied to the Chinese new city projects and Chinese criminal gangs.
The KNU chairman stated during the first Central Committee meeting subsequent to the 17th KNU Congress that an investigation team, led by Padoh Saw Sae Ge, who also serves as KNU vice-chairman and is responsible for the defense department, has been formed and the investigation is now underway.
The KNU's investigation team is composed of 11 members, which includes the KNU vice-president and representatives from each of the seven districts, along with individuals from think tanks, as stated by the KNU.
Regarding the process to be conducted by the investigation team, KNU Secretary General Padoh Saw Tar Doh Moo clarified, "The role of this team is to examine the potential connection of KNU leaders to the Chinese new city project, which has been linked to criminal activities. Additionally, the team will assess whether these leaders have violated KNU's rules and regulations."
Furthermore, Padoh Saw Tar Doh Moo emphasized, "The investigation outcomes must be presented during the Central Standing Committee meeting. Depending on the nature of any rule violations discovered, appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with KNU's constitution, established legal procedures within KNU, or decisions made by KNU's Central Standing Committee."
