US expands sanctions on Burma's regime family, tycoon

The United States said Tuesday it was tightening financial sanctions against a network tied to Burma's military junta, citing continuing human rights violations
and political repression.

The Treasury Department said its action targets the financial network of Tay Za, identifying him as a "Burmese business tycoon and regime henchman" who is an arms dealer with "close ties" to Burma's military junta.

Among the individuals named Tuesday is Aung Thet Mann, son of General Thura Shwe Mann and the director of Tay Za's Htoo Group of Companies.

Four spouses of senior government officials have also been named: Khin Lay Thet, the wife of General Thura Shwe Mann; Myint Myint Ko, the wife of Construction Minister Saw Tun; Tin Lin Myint, the wife of Lieutenant-General Ye Myint; and Myint Myint Soe, the wife of Foreign Affairs Minister Nyan Win.