US State Department Secures Release of Adam Castillo from Detention in Myanmar

Adam Castillo, a US citizen and businessman, had been detained by Myanmar authorities for three months on allegations of breach of trust. The United States State Department announced that it facilitated his release after a delegation of US officials traveled to Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital, to discuss his case with local officials. According to Myanmar state media, Castillo, 40, was flown out of the capital due to the friendly relations between Myanmar and the United States. He had been charged with breach of trust and was accused of violating regulations of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, where he served as president. Following his release, Castillo was handed over to US officials and subsequently flew to Bangkok, Thailand. Mickey Bergman, CEO of Global Reach, a nonprofit that assisted Castillo’s family, expressed gratitude for the efforts made during the Trump administration. Castillo's sister, Amanda Castillo, stated her excitement about welcoming her brother home, while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his return, given his hopes for improved US-Myanmar relations and his respect for the Burmese people. Castillo, a former US Marine and founder of the security risk management firm AGS Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport on June 11 after returning from Malaysia. His arrest followed accusations of financial impropriety from the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, which he denies. Myanmar authorities initially stated that Castillo was arrested due to a crime and a lawsuit but did not provide further details.