ransom is paid, the abducted individuals are tortured or killed, as happened to the Saber's cousin. Such extortion tactics not only cause financial devastation but also create a climate of terror, making it impossible for families to live in safety and dignity. Despite fulfilling extortion demands, there is no security or guarantee of safety. Since many Rohingya families have limited financial resources, they often resort to selling their valuables, borrowing money, or seeking help from relatives to meet such demands. The burden of these payments causes severe financial hardship, pushing families further into poverty. Families sold possessions and went into debt just to protect their kins and loved ones. Extortion is thus not an isolated abuse, but a financial mechanism of domination that reinforces vulnerability and erodes any economic base. Ekram (name changed) accepts that the AA uses extortion as a method to exploit and control the Rohingya community. He mentions that his family, along with many others in the community, have experienced extortion from both the AA and state forces. The AA demanded money from families under the guise of taxes or donations. Those who could not pay were often threatened with violence. In some cases, they ask a member of the family to join the militancy in case of inability to pay the tax. For instance, young men were forcibly recruited under the threat of retaliation against their families, creating fear and helplessness, particularly for those already struggling to survive. Similarly, the Myanmar military and police also engaged in extortion, frequently demanding bribes from people attempting to move or seek assistance. If someone was caught outside their designated area, they were forced to pay money in exchange for their freedom or faced punishment. In his own words, he admits that the extortion he experienced involved both financial demands and forced recruitment. The AA and state forces demanded money, and those who failed to pay faced severe consequences. The AA, in particular, forced young men to join their militancy groups, threatening violence against their families if they refused. Paying extortion, says Ekram (name changed), was extremely difficult and often meant sacrificing basic necessities. The payments are made in both cash and kind. “Families, including mine, had to sell valuables such as livestock, jewelry, or household items to gather the money required. In situations where we could not afford the full amount in cash, we were forced to give items or other goods instead. The amount demanded varied, but I personally know families who had to pay anywhere between 50,000 to 200,000 Kyat (approximately $23 to 95) 24