Spain has closed extradition proceedings against Munimul Islam, a former board member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar (AMCHAM Myanmar), after Myanmar dropped its request amid a disputed U.S. lobbying arrangement.
El País reported that Myanmar told Spain’s National Court on Oct. 18 it would no longer seek Islam’s extradition. The Associated Press reported that a Spanish judicial document dated Oct. 26 recorded the end of the proceedings.
Islam was detained at Barcelona’s airport on Sept. 29 under an Interpol red notice sought by Myanmar. AP reported that Myanmar later canceled the notice after concluding the evidence did not support extradition. Interpol referred the news agency’s questions about the notice to Myanmar without confirming its status. Under Interpol’s guidance, a red notice alerts police to a person sought for possible extradition; national authorities decide whether to detain that person.
The case grew out of a Washington lobbying initiative connected to the U.S.-Burma Economic Forum. AP reported that an engagement with Mercury Public Affairs, LLC involved $300,000. AMCHAM Myanmar accused former chamber president Adam Castillo and others of financial impropriety over the arrangement, according to AP.
Mercury’s U.S. lobbying registration, signed on Nov. 20, 2024, identifies AMCHAM Myanmar as its client and names Misfit Technologies Limited in its account of the payment arrangement. Islam is Misfit’s chief executive. Minutes from the chamber’s May 30, 2025, annual meeting record a 42-8 vote for constitutional changes concerning the forum. The recorded vote concerns the chamber’s constitution, leaving the dispute over authorization of the Mercury contract unresolved.
AP reported that Myanmar authorities subsequently told Spain Islam had handled company invoices and payments while based abroad. Islam told the news agency he was considering legal action over his detention. “My freedom has been restored but the damage remains,” he said.
