A Chinese court sentenced 11 members of a notorious family to death for conducting scams in Myanmar. The Ming family, which was once one of the most powerful in the country’s Shan State, operated casinos and scam centres that generated over $1 billion annually. They also forced thousands of workers into long hours, targeting victims worldwide.
The family’s activities included telecommunications fraud, illegal casinos, drug trafficking, and prostitution. A total of 39 members were sentenced, with some receiving lengthy jail sentences. China’s crackdown signals its determination to deal harshly with the scam business on its border. The move also follows pressure from Beijing, which has forced neighboring countries like Thailand to take action against scam centres.
The scam business still operates in Cambodia and Myanmar despite the efforts of Chinese authorities and neighboring countries. An alliance of insurgent groups drove the Myanmar military out of the region, allowing China to exert more influence over the area. The Ming family patriarch reportedly killed himself as others were handed over to the Chinese police.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78nrx309kzo