Myanmar's military-backed government on Wednesday deported US citizen Adam Castillo, the former head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar, who had been detained since June 11 following a business dispute. State media reported that the deportation from Naypyitaw was made "in consideration of the friendly relations between Myanmar and the United States."
Castillo, a 40-year-old former US Marine and founder of security risk management firm AGS Myanmar, was arrested at Yangon International Airport upon returning from Malaysia. The arrest stemmed from allegations by AmCham Myanmar of financial impropriety and breach of trust related to his lobbying efforts during his presidency from 2023-2025. AmCham claimed Castillo "illegally collected" $300,000 for a contract with Mercury LLC to arrange lobbying meetings, stating these funds were not deposited into the chamber's accounts and the board never approved the agreement. Castillo's supporters, however, provided a November 1, 2024 resolution on AmCham letterhead, signed by board members including Castillo, indicating approval for the lobbying initiative and engagement of Mercury Public Affairs, with sponsorship from Misfit Technologies.
The release was reportedly secured through the efforts of the Trump administration and Global Reach, a Washington-based nonprofit that assists families of Americans detained abroad. Global Reach CEO Mickey Bergman confirmed their involvement and thanked the Trump administration for its collaboration. Castillo was released into the custody of US officials in Myanmar, then flown to Bangkok, Thailand, before his return to the US. His sister, Amanda Castillo, expressed excitement for his return but noted it would be bittersweet given his aspirations for US/Myanmar relations and his respect for the Burmese people.
