China sentences 16 Myanmar-based criminals to death

Chinese police officer in Beijing, 10 March, 2025.
Reuters

China on Monday sentenced 16 individuals linked to gangs operating from northern Myanmar to death for their roles in telecom fraud and other serious crimes.

The Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Zhejiang province, eastern China, handed down the death sentences on multiple criminal charges. Five of the defendants received a two-year reprieve.

In addition, 11 others were sentenced to life imprisonment, while 12 more received prison terms ranging from five to 24 years. Several of the defendants were also fined, had property confiscated, or faced deportation.

The court found that, since 2015, the gang members had established compounds to shelter criminal organisations and provide armed protection for illegal activities, including telecom fraud, casinos, drug trafficking, and prostitution rings.

The offences caused losses exceeding 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion) and resulted in 14 deaths and six injuries.

Judges said the sentences were determined based on the facts, the nature of the crimes, the circumstances of each defendant, and the harm caused to society.

More than 160 people attended the sentencing, including Chinese legislators, political advisors, journalists, family members of the defendants, and members of the public.

Tags