Myanmar’s first private eye firm being investigated

NAYPYIDAW — Myanmar’s first private investigation service is finding itself being probed.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has yet to receive any report or registration for the company, police told The Myanmar Times.

“They are operating illegally and not following the law,” said the ministry’s police force spokesperson, Police Captain Myo Thu Soe. He said no laws or policies have been established in Myanmar for freelance investigation service companies to operate.

The company announced its services earlier this month and has been recruiting detectives. It was reportedly formed by some 40 former high-ranking police personnel from the Criminal Investigation Department as well as intelligence and legal experts.

Private Investigation Company managing director Htay Nyunt said the firm planned to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs in three weeks, adding that it will work with regional police.

“Our services have been sought for cases involving lost persons and money laundering,” Mr Htay Nyunt said. Some people, he added, were also coming in with matrimonial problems.

“We have yet to begin any investigations because we are unable to finalise our service fees and unable to negotiate them with clients who are unable to afford to pay,” Mr Htay Nyunt added. He said the company is currently giving free legal advice to clients.

Legal experts and businesspeople said there was a market for such private services. “There is a need for such services in this country since many criminal cases are yet to be investigated,” said information technology company owner Htet Naing Lynn.

“The company’s objectives are noble, and if they are able to offer services which are legal and of international standard then it would be good,” said former member of Parliament and legal expert Nyo Nyo Thinn.

Her views were also echoed by Pyithu Hluttaw’s lawmaker Khin San Hlaing, who said private investigation services are acceptable if they can complement the work carried out by government agencies. The Myanmar Times