Homicide, fraud, gambling dens: Why did China execute 11 members of a family?

China has executed 11 members of the Ming family, a powerful clan that ran large-scale scam centres and gambling operations in Myanmar.

A court in Zhejiang province had sentenced the family members in September for a range of crimes, including homicide, illegal detention, fraud and operating gambling dens, reported BBC.




The executions mark one of the most significant outcomes of China’s recent crackdown on cross-border scam networks.

The Ming family was among several clans that effectively controlled Laukkaing, a town in Myanmar near the Chinese border. Once a remote and impoverished area, Laukkaing was transformed under their influence into a hub of casinos, scam centres and red-light districts.

According to the court, the family’s criminal operations generated more than 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) between 2015 and 2023. The activities led to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to many others.

The group’s downfall began in 2023, when Myanmar authorities arrested the Ming family members and handed them over to China. The move followed sustained pressure from Beijing as it stepped up efforts to curb telecom fraud and illegal gambling operations targeting Chinese nationals.

The case reflects on China’s hardline stance against overseas scam syndicates and signals continued cooperation with neighbouring countries to dismantle networks operating beyond its borders.