China Executes Myanmar Scam Center Operators for the First Time

China has for the first time executed operators of scam centers from Myanmar. The 11 people put to death were members of the Ming mafia clan, which ran land-based casinos and online scam centers in the border town of Laukkaing, generating $1.4 billion in revenue between 2015 and 2023.

Verdict and Crimes of the Ming Clan

The verdict was delivered by a court in China’s Zhejiang province in September 2025. Clan members were found guilty of the murder of 14 Chinese citizens, illegal detention, fraud, and organizing illegal gambling.

The court said the group’s activities led to loss of life and caused major financial damage. Appeals filed by the convicted defendants were rejected by China’s highest court.

How Much the Scam Centers Earned

Casino and Online Fraud Revenue

According to the Chinese court, from 2015 to 2023 the Ming clan earned more than 10 billion yuan (about $1.4 billion) through casinos, online scam centers, and other illegal schemes.

During this period, the town of Laukkaing became a hub for casinos and underground online operations controlled by several mafia families.

Arrests and Transfer to China

Detentions in 2023

The clan’s operations were shut down in 2023, when armed ethnic groups took control of Laukkaing and handed the detained suspects over to Chinese authorities.

These events took place amid a conflict between ethnic groups and Myanmar’s army, after which the town came under outside control.

Other Sentences and Ongoing Cases

Prison Terms for Other Members

More than 20 other members of the Ming clan received prison sentences ranging from five years to life.

The Ming clan became the first group of scam center leaders from Myanmar to be sentenced to death in China. Earlier, death sentences were also handed down to members of other mafia families linked to similar schemes.

How the Scam Centers Operated

Violence and Coercion

Scam centers and casinos were located inside guarded compounds. According to testimony from freed workers, beatings and torture were used inside, and people were held by force and compelled to take part in online fraud.

The victims of these schemes were mainly Chinese citizens, while the operators themselves were often kidnapped and deprived of their freedom.