China executes 11 crime family members linked to Myanmar scam hubs, casinos
Summary
Chinese state media reports that 11 members of the Ming family criminal gang were executed after being found guilty of intentional homicide, fraud and running casinos connected to scam hubs in Myanmar. Authorities say the group’s online and telecom fraud operations moved more than RMB10 billion (around US$1.4bn) and led to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and many injuries. The sentences were approved by China’s Supreme Court following a September conviction.
The Ming family are accused of transforming Laukkaing in northern Myanmar into a zone of casinos and red light activity. They were detained and handed over to Chinese authorities in 2023 after ethnic militia seized the town. Beijing says it is coordinating with Myanmar and other Southeast Asian partners to dismantle scam networks and online gambling rings.
Key Points
- China executed 11 members of the Ming family for homicide, fraud and operating casinos linked to scam hubs in Myanmar.
- Officials say the gang’s telecom and online fraud moved over RMB10 billion (about US$1.4bn) and resulted in at least 14 deaths.
- The executions were authorised by the Supreme Court after the gang was sentenced in September.
- The Ming family reportedly converted Laukkaing into casinos and a red light district before their 2023 detention and extradition to China.
- Chinese authorities say they are actively working with Myanmar and other Southeast Asian nations to root out online gambling and telecom fraud networks.
Context and relevance
This case underscores Beijing’s aggressive approach to cross-border scam syndicates that exploit weak governance and unregulated casino activity in parts of Myanmar. For the gaming, compliance and security communities in Asia it highlights the operational and reputational risks posed by unregulated venues and criminal networks, and the geopolitical pressure placed on neighbouring states to act.
Why should I read this?
Short version: this matters. If you follow gaming, compliance or regional security, it shows how seriously China treats cross-border scam hubs and the lengths it will go to shut them down. It also flags the dangers around unregulated casinos in border towns — worth a quick read so you know the risks without trawling multiple sources.