A jewellery shop owner who was kidnapped in downtown Yangon on 6 August was rescued alive the following morning after security forces arrested nine suspects allegedly involved in the abduction and ransom plot, according to an official statement.

The victim, U Aung Myint, also known as Supramani, owner of the Diamond Shine jewellery shop on Shwebontha Street in Pabedan Township, was abducted at around 5:30 pm on 6 August while returning home from his shop.

According to the statement, the kidnappers later contacted his family using his mobile phone at around 8 pm, demanding a ransom of K450 million and 60 ticals of gold in exchange for his safe release. They also warned the family not to inform the security authorities, threatening to kill the victim if the incident was reported.

Following the report, security forces launched an investigation and arrested two suspects, identified as Mu Du Gar (alias Win Ko Aung) and Gin Do (alias Lin Lin), near Set San Hotel in Tamway Township at about 4:30 am on 7 August.

Around 30 minutes later, two more suspects, Myo Min Oo (alias Myo Gyi) and Aung Thu (alias Aung Thu Oo), were arrested near Kyauk Taing bus stop in Thaketa Township. Officers seized a knife, a bayonet and a pair of handcuffs during the operation.

A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the discovery and rescue of U Aung Myint, who was found alive inside an abandoned house nearby.

Security forces later arrested another suspect, Maung Nge, in Dawbon Township. Based on information obtained during questioning, three additional suspects—Kyaw Thu Ya, Aung Htet Moe and Kyaw Thet—were detained at their respective homes.

The taxi allegedly used in the kidnapping was also located, and its driver, Kyaw Ko Ko Lwin, was arrested at a residence in Dawbon Township.

Authorities said all nine suspects will face legal action under the relevant laws. The statement added that the swift arrests were made possible through the efforts of security personnel and information provided by members of the public, while reaffirming continued operations to maintain public security, uphold the rule of law and combat crime.