A court in Zhejiang Province, China, has sentenced 39 members of a criminal gang based in Kokang, Shan State, northern Myanmar. The group was accused of killing 14 Chinese citizens and injuring 6 others.
Among the defendants, 11 people, including 2 leaders mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, received the death penalty. 5 others were also sentenced to death but their sentences were suspended for 2 years. 11 members were sentenced to life in prison, the rest were sentenced to between 5 and 24 years. Some people were fined, their assets confiscated or deported.
This criminal organization has been operating since 2015, taking advantage of its influence in Kokang to build armed forces and operate many illegal activities. They set up fraud centers, cooperated with other gangs to receive sponsorship, weapons, and participated in phone fraud, drug trafficking, gambling and prostitution. The total amount of illegal profits was determined to be more than 1.4 billion USD.
The case has attracted great attention in Chinese public opinion for nearly 2 years. In November 2023, Wenzhou police issued a wanted notice for the gang leader. After that, thanks to cooperation between Chinese and Myanmar authorities, the three key members were arrested and handed over for investigation. By 2024, prosecutors will prosecute all 39 members for many crimes related to cross-border fraud.
In the context of increasing online fraud, China has launched a large-scale campaign. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security said that since 2021, the country's forces have handled 1.74 million cases, dismantled more than 2,000 overseas fraud centers and arrested more than 80,000 suspects, including many cases in coordination with Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia.
