Chinese authorities have dismantled a massive telecom fraud ring in northern Myanmar, indicting 21 key members on serious charges including fraud, operating illegal casinos, intentional homicide, and drug manufacturing. The group primarily targeted civilians in the Chinese mainland, causing significant financial losses and harm.
Led by Bay Saw Chain, the criminal gang has been active since 2015, constructing over 41 large-scale compounds to conduct illicit activities. They are linked to over 31,000 telecom fraud cases, with fraudulent funds exceeding 10.6 billion yuan (around $1.48 billion).
The group was also involved in the production and trafficking of approximately 11 tonnes of drugs and is suspected of activities leading to the deaths of six Chinese citizens. They aggressively targeted individuals in the Chinese mainland, even luring some across borders to engage in gambling and fraudulent schemes. The gang maintained armed control over their operations, using violence against lower-level operatives, including abuse, assault, and even murder.
In response, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security established a special task force in November 2023 to investigate the group. With support from Myanmar authorities, key suspects, including leaders Bay Saw Chain and Bay Yin Chin, were handed over to Chinese authorities in January 2024 under the China-Myanmar law enforcement and security cooperation mechanism.
Chinese police dispatched task forces to northern Myanmar five times to collect critical evidence. Domestically, over 1,000 police officers were mobilized to gather testimonies from fraud victims across the country. To date, 36 key suspects have been taken into custody.
Through joint efforts, Chinese and Myanmar police have apprehended over 57,000 individuals suspected of involvement in telecom fraud schemes. This operation has struck a significant blow against major criminal groups in northern Myanmar, enhancing safety and justice for affected communities.
