Lebanon’s M1 Group has transferred control of Telenor Myanmar to the Myanmar military linked Shwe Byain Phyu conglomerate on Thursday, May 12, completing Telenor Group’s sale of the mobile network. M1 Group and Telenor Group must be investigated for breach of sanctions.

M1 Group, owned by the family of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, is set to violate sanctions on Myanmar through their acquisition, activation and transfer of a lawful interception gateway (LIG) as part of their purchase of Telenor Myanmar.

Myanmar crony conglomerate, Shwe Byain Phyu group has multiple business links with the Myanmar military junta and its conglomerates. These include business ties with sanctioned entities and individuals.