In a forceful escalation of its campaign against transnational crime, China has carried out a rare series of executions this month, putting 16 senior members of crime syndicates to death for their role in cyber scams, illegal gambling and human trafficking linked to Myanmar.
Officials said the individuals were key figures in family-run criminal networks operating scam centres in Myanmar’s border regions. These groups allegedly trapped thousands of Chinese citizens in forced labour and online fraud operations. Several of those executed were Myanmar nationals, highlighting Beijing’s growing reach in prosecuting foreign suspects when Chinese citizens are targeted.
Among those executed was Bai Yingcang, described by prosecutors as a central figure in the Bai family syndicate. Authorities said the network ran large-scale telecom fraud and illegal gambling operations in Kokang near the China-Myanmar border, and linked the group to the deaths of 6 Chinese citizens.
In a televised confession aired by a state broadcaster, Bai apologised to the Chinese public and admitted his family’s actions had harmed tens of thousands of people.
Others executed reportedly included Ming Guoping, deputy leader of the Ming family syndicate, and Xu Laofa, head of the Xu family network. Members of a fourth group, the Wei syndicate, have also been prosecuted, with sentencing still pending.
Myanmar had effectively stopped executions before the military coup in 2021. Since then, more than 160 people, mostly political dissidents and pro-democracy activists, have been sentenced to death, according to rights groups. There have been no confirmed domestic executions of organised crime leaders, making the transfer of suspects to China unusual.
Chinese law allows prosecution of serious crimes committed abroad if Chinese citizens are victims. Though the provision dates back to 1979, it gained prominence after the 2011 Mekong River massacre, when 13 Chinese crew members were killed. Myanmar national Naw Kham was extradited and executed in 2013.
Analysts say the latest actions reflect China’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia. Lin Minwang of Fudan University called the executions a “display of strength”, noting that smaller governments often have limited ability to resist Beijing’s pressure.
“Myanmar’s military government is under heavy domestic and international strain and relies significantly on China’s support,” Lin said. “China’s determination to crack down has become very clear, and that comes as a shock to smaller neighbouring countries.”
Public anger in China has grown as thousands of citizens have fallen victim to regional scam networks. Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong has called telecom fraud a “global scourge” and urged sustained international cooperation.
China’s foreign ministry said the executions marked “significant progress” in dismantling online fraud operations and strengthening cross-border law enforcement. Legal experts say further prosecutions linked to regional scam syndicates are expected in the coming months.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
