Chinese Court Sentences 16 Members Of Myanmar-Based Crime Syndicate To Death

A Chinese court has sentenced 16 members of a notorious family-run criminal syndicate to death for operating violent scam centres in Myanmar’s Kokang region, a border hub notorious for fraud and lawlessness.

According to the Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court, the gang, active since 2015, was involved in cyber fraud, drug trafficking, prostitution, illegal casinos, and other organised crimes. Their scam compounds, staffed largely by trafficked foreigners including many Chinese nationals, became part of a multibillion-dollar cross-border fraud industry.

The court revealed that the group was responsible for the deaths of at least 14 people, including 10 fraud workers who were either trying to escape or defied the gang’s control. In one case in October 2023, members reportedly “opened fire” inside a compound to stop victims from being transferred back to China.

Investigations showed the syndicate amassed more than 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) through its operations.

While 16 defendants were handed death sentences with five receiving a two-year reprieve another 23 associates were given prison terms ranging from five years to life.

The ruling comes as Beijing intensifies cooperation with Southeast Asian governments to dismantle such scam centres, leading to thousands of arrests and repatriations in recent months.