China Executes 11 Members of Myanmar Scam Mafia in Major Crackdown
Published 29 January 2026
Highlights
- China executed 11 members of the Ming family, linked to scam operations in Myanmar, following their September sentencing.
- The Ming family's activities led to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and generated over 10 billion yuan from 2015 to 2023.
- Scam operations have proliferated in Southeast Asia, with many trafficked workers forced into online fraud.
- Beijing has increased cooperation with Southeast Asian countries to combat these scams, repatriating thousands.
- The Ming family executions are part of a broader crackdown, with more death sentences pending for other scam leaders.
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Rewritten Article
China Executes 11 Members of Myanmar Scam Mafia in Major Crackdown
In a significant move against cross-border crime, China executed 11 members of the notorious Ming family, known for orchestrating scam operations in Myanmar. The executions, carried out on Thursday, follow a September sentencing by a court in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, for crimes including homicide, fraud, and illegal detention.
The Rise and Fall of the Ming Family
The Ming family, once a dominant force in the town of Laukkaing, transformed the area into a hub of casinos and illicit activities. Their operations, which generated over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) between 2015 and 2023, were dismantled after ethnic militias handed them over to Chinese authorities. The Supreme People’s Court in Beijing upheld their death sentences, citing conclusive evidence of their crimes, which resulted in the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens.
A Broader Crackdown on Southeast Asian Scams
Scam operations have become a multibillion-dollar industry across Southeast Asia, with Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia being key hotspots. These operations often involve trafficked workers forced into online fraud, targeting victims globally. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates this industry to be worth $40 billion annually. In response, Beijing has intensified its efforts to combat these scams, repatriating thousands of individuals involved.
Legal and Humanitarian Implications
The Ming family executions are part of a broader crackdown, with additional death sentences pending for members of the Bai family and others. The trials of the Wei and Liu families are ongoing. The Chinese government’s actions underscore its resolve to deter future scams, despite the business shifting to areas where China has less influence. The crackdown also highlights the complex interplay between crime, human trafficking, and regional politics.
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Scenario Analysis
The execution of the Ming family members marks a pivotal moment in China's fight against cross-border scams. As Beijing continues its crackdown, the focus may shift to strengthening international cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to dismantle these networks. However, the persistence of scam operations in regions with limited Chinese influence poses ongoing challenges. Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach, addressing both legal enforcement and the socio-economic factors driving these scams, will be crucial in curbing this illicit industry.
In a significant move against cross-border crime, China executed 11 members of the notorious Ming family, known for orchestrating scam operations in Myanmar. The executions, carried out on Thursday, follow a September sentencing by a court in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, for crimes including homicide, fraud, and illegal detention.
The Rise and Fall of the Ming Family
The Ming family, once a dominant force in the town of Laukkaing, transformed the area into a hub of casinos and illicit activities. Their operations, which generated over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) between 2015 and 2023, were dismantled after ethnic militias handed them over to Chinese authorities. The Supreme People’s Court in Beijing upheld their death sentences, citing conclusive evidence of their crimes, which resulted in the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens.
A Broader Crackdown on Southeast Asian Scams
Scam operations have become a multibillion-dollar industry across Southeast Asia, with Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia being key hotspots. These operations often involve trafficked workers forced into online fraud, targeting victims globally. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates this industry to be worth $40 billion annually. In response, Beijing has intensified its efforts to combat these scams, repatriating thousands of individuals involved.
Legal and Humanitarian Implications
The Ming family executions are part of a broader crackdown, with additional death sentences pending for members of the Bai family and others. The trials of the Wei and Liu families are ongoing. The Chinese government’s actions underscore its resolve to deter future scams, despite the business shifting to areas where China has less influence. The crackdown also highlights the complex interplay between crime, human trafficking, and regional politics.
What this might mean
The execution of the Ming family members marks a pivotal moment in China's fight against cross-border scams. As Beijing continues its crackdown, the focus may shift to strengthening international cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to dismantle these networks. However, the persistence of scam operations in regions with limited Chinese influence poses ongoing challenges. Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach, addressing both legal enforcement and the socio-economic factors driving these scams, will be crucial in curbing this illicit industry.
