Criminals Sold Ancient Gold Items: Culprits sold ancient gold items arrested in Bagan

In the village of Myinkabar, located within the Bagan Archaeological Zone in Nyaung-U Township of Mandalay Region, an incident of selling ancient gold items for self-interest without reporting the finding those, occurred. On September 20, during the construction of a canal to improve water flow, ancient gold artifacts were discovered.

However, instead of reporting the findings to the relevant authorities, these items were sold for personal profit. The culprits were identified, and security forces conducted an investigation.During the investigation, it was found that U Nyo (alias) Ko Nyo, who was authorized to oversee the canal construction in the Myinkabar village, along with 13 workers led by Aung Phyo, uncovered an ancient earthenware vessel containing ancient items, including 10 gold bracelets, 2 gold rings, and some gold ornaments.

Instead of notifying the relevant authorities, Aung Phyo took the gold bracelets and rings for himself, while the remaining gold ornaments and artifacts were shared with U Nyo (alias) Ko Nyo for further personal use. On November 9, security forces arrested Aung Phyo, Sein Tun, and Aung Moe at their homes and brought them in for questioning at the relevant local police station.

Aung Phyo admitted to selling the ancient gold artifacts, which weighed over 13 ticals (which is equivalent to 16.33 grams for one tical), for 54 million kyats to U Tin Maung Swe in Mandalay. U Nyo (alias) Ko Nyo sold the items he had received for 94 million kyats.

From the proceeds, 12 workers, including Sein Tun, were paid 5.25 million kyats each. Further investigation revealed that Aung Moe and Aung Phyo also possessed additional items, including 5 gold bracelets, 3 gold chains, over 4 ticals of various gold items, and 16 pieces of gold fragments, all of which were seized.

The suspects, including Aung Phyo, Sein Tun, and Aung Moe, who were involved in the illegal sale of the ancient gold artifacts for personal gain without reporting them to the authorities, along with U Nyo (alias) Ko Nyo and 11 other culprits, who remains at large, are facing legal action under the Protection of Cultural Heritage Laws, specifically under Section 17/19, which mandates that the case be prosecuted according to the law.

The public has been informed that any citizens who come across ancient cultural artifacts are prohibited from keeping, collecting, or selling them for personal profit. Instead, they are urged to report their findings to the appropriate authorities for proper handling and preservation.