Cross-Border Criminal Organization on Trial in Wenzhou for Fraud, Killing, and Injury

A Cross-Border Criminal Organization Faces Justice in Wenzhou

A six-day trial concluded in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday, bringing to a close the case against a 23-member cross-border criminal organization. The group faced charges of fraud, intentional killing, intentional injury, and other offenses.

The Wenzhou Intermediate People's Court, which began hearing the case on Friday, will announce the verdict at a later date. The trial has garnered significant attention since late 2023, when three key members of the organization were captured and handed over to Chinese authorities for their alleged involvement in telecommunications fraud in the Kokang region of northern Myanmar.

Prosecutors presented evidence that the defendants, including Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, used their influence in the Kokang region to establish an armed group and commit various crimes since 2015. They set up scam compounds, attracting other gangs to offer funds and armed support. Their activities included transnational telecom scams, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operation of casinos, drug trafficking, and organized prostitution.

These offenses resulted in the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals and the injury of six others. The gambling and fraud amounts exceeded 10 billion yuan ($1.37 billion). Prosecutors highlighted a specific incident on October 20, 2023, where the group colluded with fund providers to prevent the transfer of individuals involved in the fraud to China. They used gunfire to prevent their escape, causing multiple deaths and injuries.

The prosecution presented evidence to the court, and all defendants and their lawyers addressed the evidence during the trial. Over 100 people attended the hearing, including families of the defendants, national lawmakers, political advisers, and journalists.

In November 2023, the public security department in Wenzhou issued a wanted notice for suspected key leaders of the group. Through cooperation between China and Myanmar, Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin, Ma Thiri Maung, and Myin Shut Lan were apprehended and sent to China for further investigation. Their capture marked a significant achievement in joint law enforcement between the two countries.