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.
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