Despite assurances from high-ranking junta officials that individuals arrested for using VPN software on their phones can file complaints, reports indicate that lower-level authorities continue to extort money from those detained.
Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun stated on June 24 that those arrested for using VPNs could appeal their cases. However, in many townships, residents are still being forced to pay fines, according to local sources.
Those caught using VPNs to access social media and online communication have been subjected to fines of up to 300,000 kyats by junta officials, a resident who had to pay the penalty reported.
“The junta is conducting random checks on the streets, going through phone settings. If they find a VPN, they demand fines ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 kyats. So, we have to be very cautious,” the resident said.
There are ongoing rumors that the junta will implement strict legal measures to ban VPN usage, but even before such regulations are enacted, lower-level military and police officers are already extorting money from the public.
“The crackdown on VPN usage is widespread, happening quietly in almost every township, including Ye, Thanbyuzayat, and Mawlamyine. They don’t conduct checks in obvious places but in more secluded areas. They look at each person’s situation before demanding money,” said a resident from Thanbyuzayat.
Reports indicate that the extortion over VPN usage is happening in various townships in Mon State, including Mawlamyine, Mudon, and Ye.
In the current political climate, with ongoing conflicts, the junta is reportedly stealing property from villagers and exploiting the security situation. The lower-level junta forces continue to arrest VPN users and demand money daily without any formal warnings to the public.
