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Major Crackdown on International Crime Syndicate
In a landmark ruling, Chinese courts have sentenced eleven members of the notorious Ming crime family to death for their involvement in massive fraud operations, drug trafficking, and forced prostitution rings operating across Southeast Asia. The verdict marks one of the most significant crackdowns on organized crime in recent years.
Criminal Empire Uncovered
The Ming family had been operating since 2015 from Laukkai, a border town in Myanmar near China, which has been described by the BBC as a "center for drugs, gambling, and fraud." According to court documents, the family ran illegal casinos and scam centers that targeted victims worldwide through phone fraud operations.
"Thousands of people were forced to work in these centers under brutal conditions," stated a court official who requested anonymity. "They were subjected to torture and physical abuse, with several workers being executed to prevent them from escaping back to China."
Comprehensive Sentencing
In total, 39 family members faced justice. Beyond the eleven death sentences, five received death sentences with two-year reprieves—typically resulting in life imprisonment. Another eleven received life sentences, while the remaining defendants received prison terms ranging from five to 24 years.
The criminal operations generated over one billion euros through illegal casinos, fraud centers, prostitution, and drug trafficking in Laukkai. "This case demonstrates our zero-tolerance approach to transnational organized crime," said Chinese prosecutor Zhang Wei during the trial.
International Cooperation
The crackdown followed Myanmar's military regime taking action against criminal activities in Laukkai during 2023. The suspects were arrested and extradited to China, where the family patriarch committed suicide while in custody. Other family members reportedly confessed to their crimes.
Despite this significant victory, experts warn that the problem persists. According to international observers, many scam centers have simply relocated to other countries in the region, particularly Cambodia, continuing their operations under new management.
