In a decisive move, China has sentenced 16 individuals to death within a single day, following their involvement in a large-scale fraud scheme originating from Myanmar. The court’s decision targets members of the Ming family, who were allegedly at the heart of a criminal network that targeted victims with fraudulent activities across the region. The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of the crimes.
The Ming family was one of the key groups that exploited the town of Laukkaing, located near the Chinese border in Myanmar, turning it into a hub for various illegal activities. These activities included gambling, drug trafficking, and an array of online scams, prompting intervention from both Chinese and Myanmar authorities.
In 2023, Myanmar authorities took action, resulting in the arrest and subsequent handover of numerous family members to China. This triggered a swift legal response, with the court proceedings in Wenzhou, China, leading to the sentencing of 39 individuals linked to the Ming family. The sentences included 11 death penalties, five suspended death sentences, 11 life imprisonments, and a range of prison terms from five to 24 years.
During the investigations, it was revealed that the Ming family, in collaboration with other criminal organizations, participated in a range of illegal practices. These included telecommunications fraud, operating illegal casinos, drug trafficking, and prostitution, which collectively generated billions of yuan. The scale of their operations, marked by substantial gambling and fraudulent activities, led to considerable financial gains.
The court also determined the Ming family was responsible for the deaths of laborers working in the fraud centers. These laborers, often facing harsh conditions, were sometimes killed to prevent their return to China. The genesis of these operations was rooted in the high demand for gambling among Chinese citizens, considering the illegality of gambling in China and neighboring regions. However, over time, the casinos in Laukkaing transformed into a front for more extensive criminal activities, including money laundering and human trafficking.
The United Nations has designated these fraud centers as part of a “Scamdemic,” where over 100,000 foreign nationals, primarily from China, were held captive and compelled to engage in online scams. The Ming family, once a prominent force in Myanmar’s Shan State, controlled several fraud centers in Laukkaing, notably the notorious “Crouching Tiger Villa,” where laborers were subjected to abuse.
Recent events, including an offensive launched by rebel groups, resulted in the displacement of the Myanmar army from Laukkaing. This was potentially with the support of China. The head of the Ming family reportedly took his own life, while other members faced legal repercussions. Following the crackdown, thousands of workers were turned over to the Chinese police. As a consequence of these activities, Thailand has also taken action against similar fraud operations. Despite these efforts, the fraudulent activities have adapted, with some shifting their operations to locations like Cambodia, while remaining active in Myanmar.