Chinese courts sentenced more than 41,000 people in 2025 in cases involving telecom and online fraud after suspects were repatriated from northern Myanmar, according to the Supreme People’s Court. Authorities also executed 16 individuals linked to major cross-border fraud networks.
The crackdown targeted organised criminal groups, including the Ming and Bai syndicates, which operated large scam compounds in Myanmar’s Kokang region. Officials said the networks recruited financiers and armed enforcers to carry out telecom fraud, illegal gambling and violent crimes. The operations caused losses exceeding 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) and resulted in deaths and injuries among Chinese citizens.
Chinese courts continued an intensive enforcement campaign against telecom and online fraud between 2021 and 2025, concluding more than 159,000 first-instance cases and sentencing over 338,000 defendants during that period.
More than 7,600 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud were repatriated in 2025 alone. In February that year, China, Thailand and Myanmar launched a joint operation targeting scam compounds in the Myawaddy region, leading to the return of additional suspects.
Judicial authorities said the growth in new fraud cases slowed in 2025 following sharp increases in 2023 and 2024, suggesting early signs that the crackdown was helping to contain cross-border scam operations.
China enforces strict legislation against telecom and online fraud under the Anti-Telecom and Online Fraud Law, which came into effect on 1 December 2022. The law aims to strengthen prevention, enforcement and punishment mechanisms targeting online scam networks.
The death penalty may be applied in the most serious cases, particularly where offences involve exceptionally large financial losses, organised criminal activity or severe social harm. However, capital punishment is determined by the courts on a case-by-case basis.
Most offenders receive life imprisonment or lengthy prison terms. Executions are typically reported only in high-profile cases involving large-scale criminal operations.
Telecom and online fraud refers to the use of telephone networks, messaging platforms or internet services to deceive victims into handing over money or sensitive information. Individuals who provide technical assistance, payment infrastructure or operational support may also face prosecution.
Authorities also deploy monitoring systems across telecom operators, banks and internet service providers to detect suspicious activity and disrupt fraud networks at an early stage.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including thr...
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the&nb...
Up to 30 tonnes of food will be delivered to Iran amidst ongoing hostilities with U.S. and Israel, following a phone converstation between the ...
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israe...
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientif...
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the “most intense day" of attacks so far. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “anyone who entertains the illusion of destroying Iran knows nothing of history."
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientific data, national hydrometeorological services in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan say, adding there is no threat to the region.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment