Finnish technology giant Wärtsilä Corporation in partnership with sanctioned arms broker, Myanmar Chemical and Machinery (MCM) won two contracts from the junta to construct and operate two-hybrid gas and solar power plants in Myingyan and Magway.
According to the pressure group, Justice for Myanmar Wärtsilä won both the tenders from the military-controlled Electric Power Generation Enterprise (EPGE) as part of a consortium with the Chinese corporation Dongfang Electric International Corporation and MCM.
MCM is a major arms dealer that is also involved in the production of weapons in Myanmar, in partnership with the Directorate of Defence Industries.
MCM was recently sanctioned by Canada, the UK, and US. In its sanctions announcement, the UK government described MCM as “a key source of weapons and commercial support for the junta” and MCM Managing Director, Aung Hlaing Oo, as “an associate of Commander-in-Chief and coup leader, Min Aung Hlaing”.
While Wärtsilä has told Justice For Myanmar that they have now ended their business relationship with MCM, they will not disclose how they have cut out their sanctioned business partner, immediately after winning two tenders with them.