China has executed four top members of Myanmar-based telecom fraud syndicates, the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court announced Monday, marking the second such execution in under a week.
The four were part of the “Bai family criminal group,” which operated fraud compounds in northern Myanmar’s Kokang region. Their crimes included fraud, intentional homicide, assault, kidnapping, extortion, and forced prostitution. One member, Bai Yingcang, was also involved in the production and sale of roughly 11 tonnes of methamphetamine. The group’s actions led to six Chinese deaths and many injuries.
All four were sentenced to death in November. A fifth ringleader, Bai Suocheng, also sentenced to death, reportedly died of illness after the verdict. The announcement follows the recent execution of 11 members of the “Ming family criminal group” in Wenzhou.
Telecom fraud compounds have proliferated across Southeast Asia, including in Myanmar and Cambodia, luring victims through fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency scams. Initially targeting Chinese speakers, these syndicates have expanded globally, stealing billions and employing thousands, some trafficked, to carry out their operations.
China has increasingly cooperated with regional governments in recent years, repatriating thousands to face trial under its justice system.
