US citizen Matthew Van Dyke was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in California and subsequently indicted by a grand jury in Washington D.C. on charges related to an alleged plot to supply weapons and military training to Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw. The indictment, unsealed recently, alleges Van Dyke conspired to violate US sanctions imposed following the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar.

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has also designated Van Dyke, along with two of his associates and two of his companies, for their alleged involvement in the scheme. This action aims to further restrict any support for the sanctioned Myanmar military. The charges against Van Dyke include conspiracy to violate the Global Magnitsky Act, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to violate US sanctions.

The allegations detail Van Dyke's alleged efforts to provide comprehensive military support to the Tatmadaw, which has been under significant international scrutiny and sanctions for its actions since the coup. US authorities assert that Van Dyke, through his UAE-based companies General Advanced Systems FZ-LLC and General Advanced Systems DWC-LLC, sought to offer an array of military services and equipment. These alleged services included:

  • Weapons Supply: Facilitating the acquisition and transfer of various armaments.
  • Drone Operations Training: Providing expertise and technology for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment and surveillance.
  • Special Forces Training: Offering specialized combat and tactical instruction.
  • Sniper Training and Equipment: Supplying sniper scopes and related training.

According to the indictment, Van Dyke allegedly communicated directly with representatives of the Tatmadaw to outline these proposed services and solicit payment. He is accused of working with Iraqi national Sabri al-Shammary and US citizen William G. Wise. Both al-Shammary and Wise have also been indicted on related charges and designated by the Treasury Department. Al-Shammary is identified as the owner of Alpha 7, a US-based entity also sanctioned by OFAC.

The US government has imposed extensive sanctions on the Myanmar military and its associated entities since the 2021 coup, aiming to cut off funding and support for the regime. The charges against Van Dyke and his associates underscore the US government's commitment to enforcing these sanctions and preventing US citizens from circumventing them. Van Dyke previously gained public attention for his involvement as a combatant in conflicts in Libya and Syria.

Van Dyke is currently in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. The indictment and sanctions represent a significant step by US authorities to prosecute individuals allegedly aiding sanctioned foreign military regimes, highlighting the legal risks associated with such activities for US citizens. The case is expected to proceed in federal court, with potential implications for the enforcement of US sanctions policy globally.