On October 29, 2024, the United Kingdom joined with the European Union and Canada to sanction additional companies responsible for supplying aviation fuel and equipment to the Myanmar military. The designations were imposed to restrict the Myanmar military’s ability to conduct airstrikes in response to a significant increase in their use against civilians. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reported that, in August 2024, the Myanmar military engaged in the highest number of airstrikes on record, killing dozens of civilians. The United Kingdom designated a total of six companies, including Asia Sun Group Company Limited (“Asia Sun”) and three companies associated with Asia Sun. Asia Sun was designated for being owned or controlled by Myanmar businessman Zaw Min Tun, who was previously sanctioned by the UK in 2023 for providing aviation fuel to Myanmar security forces. All of the designations were imposed pursuant to the Myanmar (Sanction) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/496), which subjects listed persons to an asset freeze in the United Kingdom.
On the same day, the Council of the EU adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2783 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2784 to impose additional sanctions against individuals and entities connected with Myanmar’s military junta for engaging in actions that threaten the peace, security and stability of Myanmar. The Council designated three individuals and one entity for allegedly engaging in scam operations against the citizens of Myanmar and other countries in the region. The designees include the Chit Linn Myaing Group (“CLM”) a group of companies that are closely associated with the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) and allegedly earn profits from engaging in scam activities along the Thai-Myanmar border. The designations were imposed under the Myanmar/Burma sanctions regime that subjects listed persons to assets freezes and travel bans. The sanctions regime also prohibits EU individuals and entities from providing funds and economic resources to designated persons or for their benefit.
On October 29, 2024, the Government of Canada also announced that it sanctioned three individuals and four entities responsible for supplying weapons and military equipment to the Myanmar military. The Government of Canada indicated that the sanctions were imposed in response to airstrikes conducted by the Myanmar military that, over the last six months, killed almost 400 civilians, including more than 60 children, and injured more than 750 others. The sanctions were imposed under the Special Economic (Burma) Regulations, which subjects listed persons to an asset freeze and dealings ban in Canada.
UK Government Press Release | OFSI Financial Sanctions Notice – Myanmar | Council of the EU Press Release | Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2784 | Government of Canada News Release