The Shenzhen Intermediate Peoples Court in Guangdong Province on the Chinese mainland has handed down death sentences to five members of a criminal gang that operated from compounds in the Kokang region of northern Myanmar. The ruling, announced Tuesday, targets leaders accused of telecom fraud, intentional homicide, and intentional injury.
According to the court, the gangs activities led to the deaths of six Chinese nationals and the suicide of another, injuring several more. The network built 41 compounds across the border, running schemes from telecom scams and illegal gambling dens to forced prostitution and people-smuggling.
In addition to the five death penalties, the court sentenced two defendants to death with a two-year reprieve, five to life imprisonment, and nine others to sentences between three and 20 years. All were also hit with fines, property confiscation, and deportation orders.
One defendant was also convicted of colluding in the trafficking and production of roughly 11 tonnes of methamphetamine. The group is accused of raking in over 29 billion yuanaround $4 billionfrom gambling and fraud operations.
This landmark case underscores the Chinese mainlands tough stance on transnational crime and highlights the severe consequences for those behind large-scale, cross-border criminal networks. For digitally connected global citizens, it serves as a stark reminder of the hidden risks lurking beyond national borders.
Reference(s):
5 involved in Myanmar criminal gang get death penalty by Chinese court
cgtn.com
