SPM Newsroom
4 July 2026, Lashio
According to local sources, junta security personnel arrested the owner of a gold refinery business early on July 2 in Ward No. 4, Lashio, a town controlled by the regime, in connection with a robbery that took place on February 1.
A local man said, “Only the homeowner was arrested. We learned that other family members were not included. The relevant authorities have opened a case against him. It seems like the case is going to get further complicated.”
Although initial rumours suggested that family members and workers were also detained, it was later confirmed that only the homeowner was taken into custody.
While authorities have not issued an official statement on the reason for the arrest, local sources said it may be linked to an investigation into the homeowner firing back during the robbery in February.
The robbery occurred around 12 pm on February 1, 2026, at a gold chemical refinement business in Ward No. 4, Lashio.
According to residents, around seven-armed individuals carrying long guns arrived in a Crown vehicle and two pickup trucks to carry out the robbery.
As the group was leaving, the homeowner fired back, forcing the attackers to flee and leaving behind a handgun and other items, which were later confiscated by security forces.
Residents said approximately five viss of gold items and around K100 million in cash were taken during the incident.
The gold business is known for gold refining, jewellery manufacturing, and gold pawning, and handles high value orders.
The robbery took place during the funeral of Ven Kesara, a resident lecturer monk at Maha Bodhayon Monastery near the crime scene, who was killed on January 28.
Locals said that since the regime regained control of Lashio, robberies, dacoities, thefts, and traffic accidents have frequently occurred, while arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators remain rare.
As of now, there have been no official statements from the junta or detailed charges released regarding the detained homeowner.
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