Myanmar's military-backed government has arrested 21 individuals accused of transferring funds to an online platform linked to the opposition National Unity Government (NUG). Authorities have identified over 2,700 people providing financial support to the platform, with further investigations and confiscations planned.
The arrests highlight the military government's efforts to suppress opposition funding and control financial flows, impacting the NUG's ability to sustain its operations and potentially signaling increased scrutiny on informal and digital payment channels used by resistance groups.
Myanmar's military-backed government has arrested 21 people it said had transferred money to an online fundraising platform linked to the opposition National Unity Government (NUG), the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported on September 29, 2026. Authorities identified the details of more than 2,700 people who allegedly provided financial support to the People's Revolution Supply Family (PRF) website, which was established by the NUG. The arrested individuals live in townships in Myanmar and will face legal action. The report stated that investigations will continue, while financial accounts linked to the funding will be closed and confiscated. Myanmar has experienced political turmoil and conflict since a military coup overthrew a civilian government in February 2021. The NUG, Myanmar's parallel civilian administration formed by remnants of Aung San Suu Kyi's party and anti-coup groups, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The NUG-aligned People's Defence Force and ethnic armed organizations have been fighting military forces across the country. After the coup, the junta designated the NUG and its allies as "terrorist organizations." The new military-backed government, headed by the former junta chief, has dismissed the regional ASEAN bloc's peace plan to end the fighting. Opposition groups have historically used unofficial payment channels, online fundraising, cryptocurrency, and bond sales to raise funds outside Myanmar's military-controlled banking system. Diaspora communities play a significant role in supporting opposition groups through overseas transfers and alternative payment channels.
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