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BEIJING, China — Authorities in China have enforced Supreme Court rulings against 11 individuals linked to a major criminal syndicate that operated large-scale online fraud networks in northern Myanmar, state news agency Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday.
The group belonged to the powerful Ming family network, which investigators say ran extensive scam operations in Myanmar’s border regions.
Supreme Court Upholds Sentences
Chinese courts sentenced the 11 defendants in September 2025 after convicting them of serious crimes, including fraud, illegal detention and violent offenses.
Two of the defendants appealed. However, the Supreme People’s Court reviewed the case and upheld the original judgments.
Authorities confirmed that legal procedures were completed in accordance with Chinese law.
Billion-Dollar Fraud Operations in Kokang
Investigators linked the Ming syndicate to a notorious compound known as Crouching Tiger Villa in Kokang, a self-administered region along the China-Myanmar border.
At its peak, the operation allegedly controlled thousands of workers and generated massive revenue through online scams targeting victims across Asia and beyond.
According to Chinese state broadcaster China Central Television, the network coordinated internet fraud, illegal gambling and other organized criminal activities.
Officials also accused the syndicate of detaining workers and using coercive methods to prevent them from leaving the compounds.
2023 Arrest Warrants and International Attention
Beijing escalated its enforcement efforts in late 2023 following mounting complaints from families of trafficked workers and increased global scrutiny of Southeast Asia’s scam industry.
Authorities issued arrest warrants for members of the Ming family and offered financial rewards for information leading to their capture.
The crackdown formed part of China’s broader strategy to dismantle cross-border cybercrime networks operating in unstable regions.
According to the United States Institute of Peace, scam syndicates across Southeast Asia generate more than $43 billion annually through fraudulent online schemes.
Members of the Ming family were sentenced. Source: The Times
Conflict and Criminal Expansion in Myanmar
Northern Myanmar has become a hotspot for illicit activity in recent years. Armed groups, weak governance and prolonged internal conflict have created conditions that allowed scam operations to flourish.
However, Chinese authorities say criminal syndicates exploited the instability to expand their networks and shield operations from enforcement actions.
Beijing Signals Continued Enforcement
Responding to the development, China’s foreign ministry said the government will intensify efforts to eliminate cross-border gambling and fraud networks.
Meanwhile, Officials stressed that Beijing remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation against organized crime because it is important to protect citizens.
For official government updates, visit China’s central government portal: Here
Key Developments
China enforces Supreme Court rulings against 11 members of Myanmar-based crime syndicate
Ming family network linked to large-scale online fraud operations
Appeals rejected by China’s highest court
Beijing vows continued crackdown on cross-border scam networks
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