Former American Chamber President Detained Upon Return to Myanmar
Yangon, Myanmar – Adam Castillo, former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport on June 12, 2025, shortly after returning from a business forum in Kuala Lumpur. The detention follows a chamber report detailing suspicious financial transactions by former board members.
Key Details
- Castillo was detained upon arrival at Yangon International Airport on June 12, 2025.
- His company, AGS Myanmar, declined to comment, citing an ongoing matter.
- The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the detention but cited privacy considerations.
- Myanmar authorities have not released an official statement.
- Local military-aligned media reported that the chamber filed a complaint against Castillo.
Background
The American Chamber of Commerce’s May 29 annual report stated that the current board uncovered suspect transactions by former board representatives and referred the matter to a law firm. The report noted that a former board representative signed a contract in November 2024 with a Washington-based PR firm, receiving $300,000 that was not processed through the chamber's accounts. The board did not approve the agreement. The chamber stated it has taken appropriate steps to safeguard its interests.
Castillo is a former U.S. Marine officer and founder of AGS Myanmar. He served as president of the chamber from 2023 to 2025. He had recently attended a business forum in Kuala Lumpur before his return.