Myanmar's corporate crackdown grows beyond Japan retailer Aeon

YANGON/BANGKOK -- Myanmar's military regime is tightening its grip on a range of industries from retail to real estate as the country grapples with inflation and capital outflows, though its crackdown appears to be exacerbating the economic turmoil.

Myanmar authorities in June detained Hiroshi Kasamatsu, an executive at a local venture of Japanese retailer Aeon, alleging violations of rice pricing rules. He was indicted on July 11, scuppering hopes for a swift release.