Eight individuals who impersonated security personnel and administrative officers to extort money and mobile phones from residents in Tarchileik Township, eastern Shan State have been apprehended along with evidence, according to reports.

In Tarchileik, reports were received of suspects entering houses in urban areas under the guise of conducting security checks and demanding phones and money under threats. Acting on these reports, security forces successfully identified and arrested the offenders.

On the morning of November 30, eight suspects, including Zaw Phyo Lwin @ Tar Lay living in Waine Kyaung Ward, Moe Hnin Lyan@ Ba Oo, Myo Oo @ Wai Yan from Makaho Kan Ward, Thein Htike Aung @ A Shay Gyi and Win Thet Aung @ Win Min Than from Yan Aung Myay Ward, and Khine Maung Htike @ Kalar and Myo Min Htet of Wam Kaung Ward, were arrested at their respective residences. They were found in possession of an Alphard white vehicle, an air gun resembling an M16 rifle, an air pistol, a ski mask, and two sets of camouflage uniforms used during the crimes.

Investigations revealed that in September 2024, Zaw Phyo Lwin @ Tar Lay, Thein Htike Aung @ A Shay Gyi,  Si Hein, and an absconding suspect, Mae Gyi, extorted two mobile phones and approximately 20,000 Thai Baht from a rental apartment in Wam Kaung Ward. In October, the suspects conducted further extortions at various locations, including multiple residences in Tarchileik's Yan Aung Myay Ward, collecting six phones and 20,000 Thai Baht, as well as 24 phones and 73,000 Thai Baht in total from five separate incidents.

The crimes were carried out with Zaw Phyo Lwin, Thein Htike Aung, and Mae Gyi donning security uniforms to lead the operations, while six other suspects posed as administrative officials to assist. Security forces continue efforts to recover the extorted phones and money and apprehend the fugitive Mae Gyi.

The suspects have been charged at relevant police stations, and further legal action is underway. Authorities are intensifying efforts to capture the remaining fugitive involved in the case.