Telenor Charged: Myanmar Crimes Against Humanity Probe

Norwegian police raid Telenor HQ over Myanmar crimes against humanity charges

Norwegian telecom giant Telenor is under formal investigation and has been charged with complicity in crimes against humanity in Myanmar, Norwegian authorities confirmed on September 15, 2026. The charges follow a joint raid by Kripos, Norway's national criminal investigation service, and PST, the domestic intelligence and security service, at Telenor's headquarters in Fornebu, Oslo.

The case centers on the period after the Myanmar military coup 2021 on February 1, 2021, and the subsequent sale of Telenor Myanmar Ltd (TML) on March 25, 2022. During that time, TML served more than 18 million customers in Myanmar. Norwegian police allege TML repeatedly transferred customer data to the military regime that was responsible for large-scale crimes against parts of the population.

What are the two charges against Telenor?

Kripos has charged Telenor with suspected complicity in crimes against humanity for the period from the 2021 coup until the sale of TML in March 2022. A second, separate charge brought by PST focuses on suspected breaches of Norway's Sanctions Act. PST alleges that TML sold prohibited surveillance equipment without the required authorization from Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Norwegian police, the two investigations overlap significantly, which is why Kripos and PST carried out the joint search of Telenor's premises on September 15, 2026. A Telenor spokesperson told Reuters the company is cooperating fully and stressed that no individuals have been charged.

Customer data shared with the military

The allegations are not new. Earlier in 2026, the Swedish non-profit Justice and Accountability Initiative filed a civil class action against Telenor in Norway. The group claims Telenor collected names, addresses, passport numbers, Facebook accounts, bank details, location data and call histories of customers who opposed the military regime, then shared that data with the army on request. At least 1,253 phone numbers were affected, according to the lawsuit.

In some cases the parent company explicitly requested that Telenor Myanmar comply with the army's demands, the Justice and Accountability Initiative said. The organization argues this led to the execution of at least one prominent activist, rapper and lawmaker Phoe Zeya Thaw, who was arrested in November 2021 and executed in July 2022.

Telenor's defense: an impossible situation

Telenor maintains it was caught in an impossible position after the military coup. In a statement to Reuters, the company said employees risked imprisonment, torture or the death penalty if they refused to follow military orders.

We concluded that we had no real choice and that we could not put the lives of our employees at risk, Telenor said. The company has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to human rights and argues that similar demands were made on all mobile operators in Myanmar.

Broader accountability for telecom surveillance

The case marks one of the first times a major European telecom operator has faced criminal charges for alleged complicity in crimes against humanity tied to authoritarian surveillance. Norway's state owns 54% of Telenor, adding political pressure. Norwegian politicians are now demanding clarity on what the government knew about the company's Myanmar operations and when.

The allegations also connect to wider concerns about human rights due diligence in the telecom sector. In December 2025, Norway's National Contact Point found Telenor had failed adequate human rights due diligence in Myanmar, a finding that strengthened calls for the criminal investigation now underway.

Frequently asked questions

What is Telenor accused of in Myanmar?

Telenor is accused of sharing customer data, including names, addresses, locations and call logs, with Myanmar's military after the 2021 coup. Norwegian police have charged the company with complicity in crimes against humanity and breaching sanctions law.

When did Telenor sell its Myanmar business?

Telenor Myanmar Ltd was sold to Lebanon's M1 Group, with the transaction completed on March 25, 2022. The subsidiary later rebranded as ATOM.

How many customers were affected?

At least 1,253 phone numbers are known to have had data shared with the military, according to the Justice and Accountability Initiative's class action. TML served more than 18 million customers before the sale.

Has anyone been executed because of the data sharing?

Yes. Rapper and lawmaker Phoe Zeya Thaw was arrested in November 2021 and executed in July 2022, according to the lawsuit. Activists say the data sharing contributed to his arrest.

What happens next in the Telenor investigation?

Kripos and PST will continue their joint investigation. Telenor says it is cooperating fully and that no individuals have been charged so far.