Myanmar Deports US Businessman Adam Castillo After Three Months

The military-backed government of Myanmar deported Adam Castillo, a U.S. citizen and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, on September 17, 2026. Castillo, a former U.S. Marine and owner of AGS Myanmar, had been imprisoned since June 11, when he was detained at Yangon International Airport upon returning from Malaysia.

Myanmar authorities charged Castillo with breach of trust and financial impropriety under Section 409 of the penal code. The charges centered on a $300,000 lobbying contract with Mercury LLC intended to promote U.S. access to rare earth minerals in Myanmar. While the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar claimed the funds were illegally collected, other documents indicated the board had approved the initiative. Supporters suggested the arrest was retaliation for a memoir Castillo wrote criticizing the military regime.

Following a visit to Naypyidaw by a delegation of U.S. officials, the Myanmar government released Castillo into U.S. custody. State media described the deportation as a gesture to preserve friendly diplomatic relations between the two nations. Castillo was flown to Bangkok, Thailand, before returning to the United States. The release followed advocacy efforts by the U.S. State Department and Global Reach, a Washington-based nonprofit engaged by Castillo's family.