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MAGWAY DIVISION – Residents report that administrative members of the junta council have been extorting money from businessmen and shops to install jammers in the residential wards of Pakokku Downtown.
On February 8, junta staff from No. 3, 13, and 15 residential offices extorted amounts ranging from 300,000 MMK to more per shop. They also sent invitation letters to businessmen, extorting money from them for the installation of jammers.
“The junta staff illegally extorted money from shops in Pakokku Downtown under the guise of public safety. If someone couldn’t pay, they were forced to do so, and similar incidents occurred in other wards. The amount of money extorted might increase if a shop is larger. It’s reported that they will install the jammers at their office with the extorted money,” said a resident.
The junta council staff is expected to extort 300 million Myanmar Kyats, although the exact amount to be extorted from businessmen remains unknown. Currently, they are targeting businessmen and shop owners for extortion.
Jammers, which can block mobile and communication networks, are primarily used to protect against drone attacks and remote-controlled mines.