The Intermediate People's Court of Shenzhen, China, sentenced five members of a transnational gambling crime syndicate to death. The case involved huge amounts of money and multiple serious crimes. The main culprits, Bai Suocheng and his son Bai Yingcang, were punished for crimes including murder and fraud, with the gang illegally profiting approximately 29 billion RMB.
Judgment Background and Criminal Facts
The Chinese government has recently cracked down on cross-border gambling activities, sentencing five members of a Myanmar crime syndicate to death. Led by the Bai family, the gang has long operated illegal casinos and fraud dens along the Myanmar border. Investigations revealed that they committed crimes through an integrated online and offline model, including online gambling and "pig butchering" scams, involving up to 4.1 billion USD.
Criminal Activities and Victim Situations
Since the early 2000s, the Bai family expanded, turning towns like Lao Kai into crime hubs. In their scam operations, many workers were also victims, lured by high-paying job advertisements and then subjected to abuse. According to a report by the American Peace Institute, these workers were forced to participate in scams under harsh conditions, with some even suffering torture.
Regional Impact and Legal Actions
Online gambling is rampant in Southeast Asia, with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos becoming hotspots for fraud. China has exerted legal pressure on the Myanmar military government to curb crimes targeting Chinese citizens. This judgment also includes prison sentences for another 16 members of the gang, demonstrating China's determination to combat transnational crime.
