Norwegian Police Probe Telenor Over Alleged Complicity in Myanmar Human Rights Abuses
Photo: Collected
Norwegian police have launched an investigation into telecommunication giant Telenor over allegations of complicity in crimes against humanity following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.
Investigators raided Telenor's headquarters in Oslo on Tuesday, according to a joint statement issued by Norway's National Criminal Investigation Service and the security agency PST. The case is also examining potential violations of sanctions by the company.
Police stated that Telenor Myanmar repeatedly handed over customer communication data to the military government at a time when the regime was carrying out widespread oppression against a section of the civilian population.
Telenor, which sold its Myanmar business after the coup and completely wound up its operations in the country in March 2022, stated that it is cooperating closely with Norwegian investigators and will do everything possible to clarify the matter. A spokesperson for the Myanmar government declined to comment when contacted by Reuters, while the Myanmar Embassy in Oslo did not respond to an emailed request for comment.
The investigation follows a criminal complaint filed earlier this year by a Swedish non-profit organization accusing Telenor Myanmar of handing over phone call and location data of individuals considered political opponents of the military junta, which allegedly resulted in the execution of at least one prominent human rights activist.
In a statement to Reuters, Telenor described the military coup as a tragic event for the people of Myanmar, placing the company in an impossible situation with no good alternatives. The firm added that failing to comply with military directives would have subjected employees to the risk of imprisonment, torture, or death, noting that it could not put employee lives at risk.
Authorities are also investigating the transfer of sanctioned surveillance equipment as part of the sale of Telenor's Myanmar business, specifically examining whether the transaction took place without the required permission from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Yadanar Maung, a spokesperson for the activist organization Justice For Myanmar, welcomed the police decision to investigate Telenor for alleged violations of Norwegian and international law. The organization collaborated with the International Commission of Jurists to submit complaints to Norwegian investigators, detailing how Telenor allegedly transferred surveillance spyware to a military-affiliated company and shared sensitive data with the junta, with hopes that the company will ultimately be held accountable for the harm caused.
