PDF Extortion: Petroleum trade gripped by blackmail and threats in Sagaing Region
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Hsu/ Munich (NP News) - May 3
Homalin Township PDF under the control of the so-called National Unity Government reportedly extorted 100,000 kyats per barrel of petroleum from those passing through their territory, labeling it as a "revolutionary tax."
The abovementioned terrorist group officially announced that petroleum carried from Monywa Township, Kyunhla Township, and other townships would be allowed to be sold in Homalin Township, where they currently have regional control.
The announcement also stated that a fee of 100,000 kyats must be paid for each barrel of petroleum destined for SAC-controlled areas.
Banmauk Township PDF also recently announced a ban on petroleum imports in the central and western parts of the township.
The group also issued a warning that anyone violating their announcement by transporting petroleum within Banmauk Township will face fines ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 kyats.
The group further warned that those who violate their announcement by transporting petroleum outside the designated route and fail to pay the initial fine will be subject to a doubled fine upon investigation.
A petroleum trader told The NP News, "Beyond Monywa Township, starting in Butalin Township and continuing all the way to Homalin Township, there are PDF checkpoints. At these checkpoints, they impose a 'revolutionary tax' which some would call extortion. The amount varies depending on the number of barrels we're transporting. Some traders are even forced to hand over two to five barrels of petroleum unwillingly."
In the government-controlled areas, there are checkpoint fees; but these are typically minimal. In contrast, the PDF and the NUG even issue official documents to legitimize their collection of what they call a 'revolutionary tax,' while others view it as extortion.
Expressing his frustration to The NP News, a trader explained, 'These taxes have a negative impact only on the people. If the traders are forced to give up five barrels of petroleum, they have no choice but to raise prices to cover my losses. He would increase the petroleum price in the market to cover the cost of his loss. Ultimately, the burden falls on ordinary people.'
It has also been reported that numerous businessmen and traders in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, are facing extortion and threats from PDF terrorists compelling them to hand over money. Failure to comply has resulted in instances of kidnapping by these PDF terrorists.