Former Mandalay Region Chief Minister charged with five counts of corruption

10 March 2022
Former Mandalay Region Chief Minister charged with five counts of corruption

A source in Mandalay's Obo Prison told Mizzima that an indictment was issued on 8 March for five counts of corruption against the 70-year-old former Mandalay Region Chief Minister, Dr Zaw Myint Maung.

Dr Zaw Myint Maung pleaded not guilty.

He was indicted by Khin Maung Tun, a district court judge at Mandalay's Obo prison.

Dr Zaw Myint Maung appeared in front of the judge in a blue prison uniform. He appeared to be in good physical health.

"Today, he was indicted on all five corruption charges. He has been charged under Section 55 of the Penal Code. Dr. Zaw Myint Maung pleaded not guilty. A recall hearing is scheduled for Friday. So that all witnesses can be recalled following the issue of the indictment. Witness Sein Tin, will appear before the court on Friday for all five cases”, said the source.

Sein Tin, the Acting Director General of the Nay Pyi Taw Anti-Corruption Commission, will appear before the court on 11 March and Maung Weik, a famous businessman is also due to be called before the court.

The indictment includes two counts of corruption over the allocation of NLD office space in Myingyan and Pyin Oo Lwin townships.

In addition, two more corruption cases involved Maung Weik because he donated $150,000 in three installments to Dr. Zaw Myint Maung during his visit to Thailand for medical treatment and about 65 million MMK in two installments to pay for his needs when he returned from medical treatment.

Maung Weik, testified on 18 February that he voluntarily made the donations to Dr. Zaw Myint Maung.

Another case involved Ye Myint, the chief executive officer of the New Development Company, who paid 300,000 baht in two installments to Dr. Zaw Myint Maung through his staff member, Aung Zaw Ko.

Dr. Zaw Myint Maung is also facing two counts of vote fraud.