A Chinese court has sentenced 16 people to death for running a family-led scam network in Myanmar.
The Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court delivered the ruling on Monday in Zhejiang Province, announcing punishments for the brutal syndicate as gathered by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).
The gang established scam compounds in Myanmar’s Kokang region, a territory long associated with criminal activity and armed groups.
Victims were lured with fake job offers and trafficked into compounds where they were forced into cyber fraud.
The court revealed that the organisation expanded into drug trafficking, illegal gambling, prostitution, and other serious criminal enterprises.
Between 2015 and their arrest, the syndicate generated profits exceeding 10 billion yuan, equivalent to $1.4 billion.
Authorities reported that violence was used to control workers and protect profits, including multiple incidents of brutal killings.
At least 14 people were murdered by the group, including ten fraud workers who resisted or attempted escape.
In one shocking case, members opened fire in October 2023 to prevent workers’ transfer back to China.
The court stressed that the defendants displayed total disregard for life, using intimidation and murder as management tools.
Of the 16 death sentences, five were suspended with a two-year reprieve, often converting to life imprisonment.
An additional 23 suspects received prison terms ranging from five years to life, broadening the crackdown’s impact.
Beijing publicised the ruling widely, using state media and social platforms to highlight its tough stance against cybercrime.
China has increased cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to dismantle scam compounds and repatriate suspects for prosecution.
Thousands of people, many Chinese nationals, have been rescued from Myanmar-based centres and returned home for trial.
Authorities say the scam industry has become a multibillion-dollar operation, devastating individuals and undermining financial security.
The court’s ruling sends a stern warning to other criminal organisations entrenched in Southeast Asia’s borderlands.
Legal experts argue that capital punishment signals China’s uncompromising response to cyber fraud and related violent crimes.
The case also highlights the plight of trafficked workers trapped in scam compounds under constant threat of violence.
Analysts warn that unless Myanmar strengthens enforcement, similar criminal enterprises could easily re-emerge in lawless regions.
Kindly share!!
The post China executes justice: 16 sentenced to death for deadly Myanmar scam empire
DDM News
first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
