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Former Myanmar American Chamber of Commerce board member detained in Spain
Munimul Islam was detained after a Red Notice as AmCham Myanmar accused him of misusing about $300,000 in lobbying funds, while he denied wrongdoing.
On Tuesday, Spanish authorities detained Munimul Islam at Barcelona's international airport on an Interpol Red Notice requested by Myanmar officials alleging misappropriation of funds.
AmCham Myanmar alleges Islam, Adam Castillo, and Khaung Danny Kyaw misused approximately $300,000 intended for lobbying efforts by Mercury Public Affairs in a monthslong dispute.
Contradicting AmCham's claim the board never approved the contract, documents and a signed resolution suggest the initiative was authorized; Mercury confirmed organizing meetings in Washington with Castillo.
Islam remains in custody in Spain, where attorney Cristián Carci stated he is appealing the detention. Islam maintains the charges are "fabricated."
Extradition to Myanmar appears unlikely under European Union regulations, which deny requests if individuals face torture risks the United Nations has described as "systematic" since President Min Aung Hlaing's 2021 military seizure.
An ex-director of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce was arrested in Spain for alleged financial irregularities he denies. The accusations, viewed as manufactured, focus on a lobbying contract in the U.S. Documents contradict the evidence presented by Myanmar.