A Chinese court has sentenced 11 leaders of a powerful cross-border crime syndicate to death for their role in a vast criminal empire worth more than $1.4 billion. The network was involved in illegal gambling, large-scale online scams, human trafficking, and money laundering, according to state media reports released on Tuesday.
The syndicate, allegedly run by a family operating from border regions near northern Myanmar, lured thousands of people with false job offers, then forced them into running cyber scams inside heavily guarded compounds. Victims were often subjected to violence, threats, and abuse if they refused to comply.
In addition to the 11 death sentences, 17 other defendants received suspended death penalties or prison terms ranging from 5 to 24 years. The harsh verdicts underscore Beijing’s ongoing campaign to crack down on organized crime and illegal cross-border activities, particularly those linked to Myanmar’s scam centers.
Chinese authorities have intensified efforts in recent years to dismantle online scam operations, which they claim have trapped hundreds of thousands of victims across Asia and beyond. The crackdown has become a matter of public concern as many Chinese citizens have been tricked into debt traps or forced into criminal labor overseas.
Analysts note that the scale of this case reflects both the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networksand Beijing’s determination to project a tough stance on crime. However, human rights groups have raised concerns about transparency in trials and the use of the death penalty, which remains common in China for serious offenses.
With billions of dollars at stake and international victims affected, authorities in China and neighboring countries are expected to step up cross-border cooperation to dismantle similar scam syndicates in the region.