Tycoon Tay Za gives money for army's Kachin offensive

Representatives from firms owned by Tay Za present military officials with a check for 70 Million Kyat during a recent ceremony in Burma's capital.

Two firms owned by Burmese billionaire Tay Zaw, a well-connected tycoon known for close ties to Than Shwe's military regime, recently made a joint 70 Million Kyat (US $82,000) donation to support Burma army troops taking part in the offensive against the the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).

Senior representatives from Air Bagan and Asia Green Development Bank Limited handed military officials a giant ceremonial check at a ceremony in Naypyidaw earlier this year. Tay Za who also owns Htoo Trading has extensive business interests in both Kachin State's jade and timber industries.

Leaked US diplomatic cables suggest Tay Za has profited from facilitating weapon's deals with Burma's army. “Rumors abound that Tay Za has long smuggled Chinese weapons into Burma via his aviation and trading businesses,” wrote Rangoon-based US diplomats in a June 2009 cable.

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