Myanmar Ends Extradition Pursuit Of Former AmCham Member Over USD 300,000 Dispute

Myanmar has dropped its extradition case against Munimul Islam, a former American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) board member, and cancelled an Interpol red notice issued against him, citing insufficient evidence to support his extradition.

Islam, the CEO of Misfit Technologies and a Bangladeshi national living in the United Kingdom, was arrested at Barcelona airport in Spain in late September at the request of Myanmar authorities. He was travelling with his wife and children for a vacation when he was detained.

Spanish judicial authorities dropped all proceedings against him in a document dated October 26 after receiving confirmation of Myanmar's decision. Islam had been released on bail earlier in October.

The case stemmed from a financial dispute within AmCham Myanmar. Its current board accused Islam, former president Adam Castillo, an American, and former executive director Ye Khaung Kyaw, an Australian, of financial impropriety over the hiring of a US public relations firm for lobbying activities in Washington.

The dispute centred on USD 300,000 paid to American firm Mercury Public Affairs through Islam's company. AmCham Myanmar alleged that Castillo had used the association's name to hire the firm without approval from the current board. It also disputed a board resolution presented by Castillo's supporters authorising the initiative.

However, the Associated Press confirmed that Mercury organised several meetings in Washington involving Castillo and others and declared the payments to US authorities as required under the law.

Myanmar authorities told their Spanish counterparts that Islam had merely carried out corporate invoicing and payment instructions while based abroad.

The controversy attracted international attention after Myanmar arrested Castillo and Ye Khaung Kyaw and issued an Interpol red notice against Islam. The Trump administration sent a delegation to Myanmar to secure Castillo's release in September, while Ye Khaung Kyaw was deported after pleading guilty to breach of trust, which he said was under pressure.

Islam said he was relieved that the case had ended but would explore legal action against AmCham and its current board members. He said his 14-day detention had caused emotional, financial and reputational damage, adding that he wanted accountability.