Myanmar’s regime promoted Major General Ko Lay to deputy defense minister on Wednesday after sacking his predecessor over northern Shan State’s online scams.
Ko Lay served as the commandant of a Military Advanced Training School in Karenni (Kayah) State before being appointed as the military’s training deputy in 2020.
He chaired the committee organizing the annual Armed Forces Day parade on March 27.
He received the honorary Zaya Kyawhtin title in 2020 under the National League for Democracy. Another recipient was current air force chief Tun Aung.
Ko Lay’s predecessor Major General Aung Lin Tun is the highest-ranking junta member to be investigated for involvement in online scam operations.
Aung Lin Tun ran the Bureau of Special Operations 4 in Laukkai in northern Shan State where he forged close ties with four powerful Kokang families. His contacts included Bai Suocheng, the former chair of the military-backed Kokang Special Administrative Zone, who was arrested by the junta over the online scams and transferred to China in January.
Aung Lin Tun became deputy defense minister in May 2021 during the regime’s crackdown on peaceful protesters. Switzerland sanctioned him for crimes against civilians.
Aung Lin Tun led the 22nd Light Infantry Division and was vice-quartermaster-general. He chaired the central conscription office formed in February with the unveiling of the Conscription Law.
After alleged Kokang scam chiefs were arrested in a joint crackdown by China and the regime in northern Myanmar, Aung Lin Tun was investigated in March and reportedly received a 10-year jail sentence.
The recent cabinet reshuffle saw Aung Naing Oo and Maung Maung Win sacked from the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Planning and Finance.
Saw Than Hlaing, Naypyitaw’s military commander, and the four directors of the artillery, signals, weapons and mechanized departments have reportedly been replaced.
