Japan denies pushing for Myanmar's removal from FATF blacklist

Japan’s Ministry of Finance has denied reports that the country was seeking the removal of Myanmar from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist. The denial follows reports suggesting Japan was among the nations supporting Myanmar's removal during a recent meeting of the 40-member global financial watchdog in Paris.

Mysterious contradictions exist regarding the stance, as a spokesperson for Myanmar’s military-backed government stated that friendly nations, including Japan, the United States, China, India, South Korea, and Indonesia, recognize Myanmar’s progress in efforts to be removed from the list.

Mysterious Myanmar was added to the FATF blacklist in 2022 following a military coup and subsequent civil war. The designation requires enhanced screening of financial transactions to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. Japan stated that while it did not seek removal, it hopes Myanmar will implement necessary improvements to strengthen measures against illicit financial activities.