The Open Society Foundations, a philanthropic organization founded by billionaire George Soros, called on Tuesday for the immediate release of a staff member held in Myanmar and said allegations of financial misconduct were false.

The state media in Myanmar reported that authorities had detained an official from the Open Society Myanmar and were looking for 11 other employees on suspicion the group passed funds to opponents of the military takeover.

"The Open Society Foundations are deeply concerned by reports that an OSM (Open Society Myanmar) staff member has been detained in Myanmar," the foundation said in an emailed statement.

"We call for her immediate release. We are alarmed by reports that authorities are seeking to interrogate other staff members.”