Two armed men responsible for bank robberies happened at two branches of the Global Treasure Bank, South Okkalapa branch and the number (2) Bayintnaung branch on 15 July and 30 August, were arrested after the security forces launched an investigation.
At around 10 am on 15 July 2021, four armed men came by a white colour CALDINA (EE-4402) and fired three shots at the Global Treasure Bank located on 5/7 Bramaso road, (7) Ward, South Okkalapa Township, Yangon Region, holding up K18.5 million from the bank.
At around 11:30 pm on 30 August, four armed men came by a white colour Crown (YGN-1J/9428) at the number (2) Bayintnaung Branch and robbed K117.9 million.
Following the investigation conducted by the security forces, the driver of the Caldina (EE-4402) was arrested. According to his confession, the security forces searched the apartments in Sangyoung and Tamway townships and confiscated the related items of the suspects.
Similarly, the owner of the CROWN brand vehicle was arrested. Following his confession, Soe Thu Aung (a) Soe Gyi was arrested at around 7 pm on 18 September. Security forces also arrested the parents of Thura Aung at his house in Insein Township, together with K6.2 million and the vehicle used in the armed bank robbery (YGN 9I/1163). Thura Aung was arrested on 19 August in front of the Insein Hospital gate, on Mingyi road, together with a Kia car (YGN 1F/4191) that was bought with the money from the bank robbery.
Thura Aung revealed that Patrick (aka) Win Htike Ko Ko, Hein Zay, Myat Min, Ma Win Htet Mar and Zaw Min Naing were involved in the bank robberies under the leadership of himsef and Min Nyo.
Ma Win Htet Mar and Hein Zay were arrested at their apartment (ground floor) on 152nd street, in Tamway Township. Min Nyo was arrested together with Aung Aung, the owner of the apartment, and Pyae Phyo Kyaw in Myittar Nyunt ward in Tamway Township. From their apartment, 2 pistols, 50 rounds of ammunition (USA 380), 50 rounds of ammunition (9mm Luger), 1 extra pistol magazine, 1 fake pistol used in the robberies, materials used in acts of violence, 1 Toyota Crown vehicle (9D/6787) were confiscated and K50.55 million were recovered.
Patrick (aka) Win Htike Ko Ko was arrested during his visit to Ma Win Htet Mar at her apartment on 152nd street and Myat Min was arrested at his home in Mingala Taungnyunt township, respectively.
According to the investigation, they participated in riots, and Thura Aung, Min Nyo, Win Htet Mar, Patrick, and Hein Zay reportedly attended the terrorist training course in a KIA area. They arrived back in Yangon in May and were involved in Urban Guerilla Post. They later formed the People Republican Army and Thura Aung was in charge of the raising fund; Min Nyo was to purchase weapons and ammunition and Win Htet Mar was in charge of accounting. Their gang aimed to rob and lead to armed attacks.
Win Htet Mar was appointed as the youth chair of the Ei Thinzar Maung’s (from NUG) Myanma New Society Democratic Party in Pabedan Township and she served until March 2021. She also participated in riots that happened in Hline Township together with Ei Thinzar Maung until the first week of March.
According to their confession, Min Nyo purchased 1 pistol (SIG Sauger 9mm), 1 extra magazine, and 55 rounds of ammunition with K3.8 million from Win Kyaw whom he knew during the riot in June 2021. He also purchased 1 pistol (SUR-2004-9mm-PAK) and 50 rounds of ammunition with K3 million which he later used in the robberies.
It was found that they spent the money from the robberies on purchasing vehicles and weapons, renting apartments, supporting protestors in Yangon and for their personal stuff.
It is reported investigations are underway to take action under the law against the parents of Thura Aung, who kept the money from the robberies, and Aung Aung and Pyae Phyo Kyaw, who admitted the robbers and weapons in their apartment, as well as to arrest Zaw Min Naing who has been escaped as soon as possible. — MNA
