Over 31,000 suspects involved in telecom fraud have been transferred to Chinese authorities since September. This operation marks a substantial stride in the joint crackdown on extensive telecom fraud syndicates operating across borders. The Ministry of Public Security in China announced this major development, highlighting the effectiveness of the joint actions taken by both countries.
Among those transferred are 63 individuals identified as financial sponsors, key ringleaders, and other crucial personnel, including 1,531 fugitives actively engaged in online fraud. This operation has dealt a significant blow to the telecom fraud networks, which have been operating prolifically in at least 1,000 scam centers in Myanmar, a country that shares its southwestern border with China.
Chinese state media has reported that daily, over 100,000 people are engaged in telecom fraud activities in Myanmar. This alarming statistic prompted an intensified crackdown by Chinese police in September, with a focus on dismantling these widespread operations. The Ministry of Public Security stated that this month saw "swift attacks" on criminal gangs in Myanmar, leading to these substantial extraditions.
The urgency of the situation was further underscored by the recent suicide of a Myanmar ringleader while evading capture by local authorities. Following this incident, three members of his gang were handed over to Chinese police. The crackdown has also led to the apprehension of several key figures in telecom fraud, including Ming Guoping, Ming Julan, and Ming Zhenzhen, who have been transferred to China for legal proceedings.
Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong of China, during a visit to Myanmar, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to tackle cross-border crimes like online gambling and telecom fraud. He also expressed China's support for Myanmar in maintaining stability along their shared border, particularly as Myanmar's military faces challenges from various insurgent groups in border areas.
China's commitment to peace in the region was reiterated by a foreign ministry spokesperson, who emphasized China's role in promoting dialogue and an end to conflict in Myanmar. The spokesperson stated, "China has been playing a constructive role in its own way to promote peace talks and urge relevant parties to put the interests of the people first, cease fire and end war as soon as possible."
The transferred suspects will undergo further investigation by local public security departments in China and will face legal consequences as per the law. Chinese public security authorities have vowed to maintain their rigorous stance against telecom and internet fraud groups operating in northern Myanmar, aiming to completely eradicate these operations and bring all involved individuals to justice.
This large-scale operation represents a noteworthy example of international law enforcement cooperation, particularly in the realm of tackling complex and widespread cybercrimes that transcend national boundaries.
