Authorities have arrested several illegal transport brokers accused of extorting money from taxi drivers and passengers at the Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Terminal, according to a statement released by the Myanmar Police Force.

Police said investigations were launched after receiving reports that groups posing as passenger brokers at the Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Terminal in Chit Tee Kone Ward, Mingaladon Township, had been threatening and demanding money from taxi drivers and travelers. Authorities carried out inquiries with assistance from local residents.

During the operation on May 9, police arrested Zaw Lin Htun, also known as “Tar Tee,” near the Rakhine Monastery bus stop on No. 3 Main Road in Mingaladon Township. Another suspect, Soe Thiha, also known as “Chit Thar,” was arrested near the intersection of Khayay Pin Road and No. 3 Road in Chit Tee Kone Ward.

According to police investigations and the suspects’ confessions, the two men had allegedly worked together with Thein Htike Aung, also known as “Japan Gyi,” who remains at large, since 2021. The group reportedly collected monthly payments from taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers operating inside the Aung Mingalar terminal, pressured arriving passengers from highway buses to hire their taxis, overcharged passengers above standard fares, and exploited taxi drivers financially.

Police said the group divided control of different roads inside the terminal among themselves and operated as organized passenger brokers who extorted money through intimidation.

Authorities have opened criminal cases against Zaw Lin Htun and Soe Thiha, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspect.