Retired Lieutenant General Myint Hlaing, formerly the Union Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation during former President U Thein Sein’s tenure, has been apprehended at his residence in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.

The arrest is related to alleged involvement in online fraudulent activities, as reported by reliable sources.

An unidentified individual disclosed that the arrest occurred yesterday evening, and authorities seized Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing’s personal belongings. The suspicion of his connection to online frauds arose after he assumed command of the north-eastern region.

Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing, who previously held the position of Chief of Air Defense Forces, retired from the military (Tatmadaw) with the rank of Lieutenant General. His political journey included participation in the 2010 general election, where he represented the Union Solidarity and Development Party and subsequently assumed the role of Union Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

During his tenure as Union Minister, Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing engaged with local farmers in Danuphyu Township, Ayeyawady Region. His controversial stance emerged when he urged farmers to repay agricultural loans, emphasizing that failure to do so would result in only one meal per day. This stance garnered criticism from the public.

Notably, retried Lt-Gen Myint Hlaing also served as the commander of the North-eastern command, based in Lashio Township. Additionally, he acted as the personal assistant to Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, retired Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, during the State Peace and Development Council’s administration under retired Senior General Than Shwe’s leadership.