Enter Bao's son-in-law

Drugs

Enter Bao's son-in-law

Most of Wa president Bao Youxiang's businesses are handled by Haw Zeng-tien a.k.a Hsiao Haw, who married his second daughter, said informed sources in the north. Hawkeye reports:

Hsiao Haw, 43, a native of Longlin in Yunnan's Dehong Prefecture, moved to Ta Moeng-ngen in Kutkhai township, 48 miles north of Lashio, with his parents during his adolescence. "He is even darker than Wa," commented a Shan source from Kunming on his complexion.

He is a principal share holder in Mong Mau Co., one of the some-30 subsidiaries of the Wa's Hongpang Co, with whom they have to share 10% of their profits. He handles money laundering operations both for Bao and Wei Hsuehkang, with whom he maintains a close relationship. He often calls on Wei at his home in the orange orchard at Tawniu-Nampateb, 7 miles east of Tangyan and sometimes seen with him in Kunma (a town in Pangwai, the Wa's northeasternmost township).

"Every time the generals hold their bi-annual gems emporium in Rangoon, you can bet Hsiao Haw's there," a businessman confided. (Bangkok Post reported on 4 November 2002 that the United Wa State Army used a gems auction in October to launder millions of drug money by paying up to 10% more than the original costs to miners.) His gem dealings are managed by a Kachin from Myitkyina named Zawngkhawng, 60, known affectionately among friends as Deng Zawngkhawng for his short height.

Hsiao Haw is also reported to be the owner of the 6-story Tekham Hotel which he had built with a 60 million yuan capital in Zegao, opposite Shan State's Muse. "If you can pay Y 100 per night, you have a room there," said a source. "It's of course not something you call grand, but it's convenient."

Like many of those who want to get close to Burma's top officials, he plays golf, mostly with Col Tin Maung Htay, who had formerly served as Chief of Military Intelligence Unit #9 in Lashio before moving up to become a drug buster in Rangoon. One source claimed Hsiao Haw was seen last March pitching golf with a Singapore diplomat in Rangoon.

Close ties to people who matter had their advantages, said sources. Last July, a speed factory was found in one of Hongpang's orange orchard in Zay-an, between Hsipaw and Lashio. Nothing ever came out of it, they maintained.

Update:

Haw's residences in Rangoon and Mandalay

1. 7/A Inya Road
Opposite State Guesthouse, Big Chinese characters in front, next door to home of Win Win Condensed Milk Factory owners (Parents of Maj Thet Naing Oo, former chief of Lashio-based M #9), Rangoon

2. Ma 8/29 63rd St.
South of Theikpan Road Corner
Mandalay

3. Opposite Chinese language school, 32nd Street, between 64th - 65th Streets, Mandalay

Bosom friend

Than Win a.k.a Chen Sang, owner of Changlong Co., a native of Tangyan. He buys up sesame and peanuts for his cooking oil refinery in Lashio, a 1,000 kyat affair. Involved in teak businesses in Namlan, Mongkung and Kengtawng. Known as a bankroller for Maj Gen Myint Hlaing, Commander of Lashio-based Northeastern Region Command. Business partner Ah Yong. Believed to be blending drugs with legal businesses.