Chinese courts have sentenced three senior members of a criminal syndicate operating in Myanmar to death for running large-scale online scam centres and involvement in other serious crimes, including murder, according to reports published on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
The three defendants are Wei Huairen, the leader of the criminal network, his nephew Chen Dawei, and an associate, Liao Jingfang. The courts found them guilty of operating cross-border telecommunications fraud networks and other criminal activities linked to the deaths of four Chinese nationals.
The three were among 61 members of the Wei family criminal syndicate convicted by Chinese courts. Three other senior members received life sentences, while 55 others were handed prison terms ranging from three years and three months to 24 years.
Authorities said the syndicate operated scam compounds in Myanmar's Kokang region, near the Chinese border. Its criminal activities included online and telecommunications fraud, illegal gambling, extortion and other offences. The network reportedly generated more than 12.2 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately $1.8 billion.
The sentences come as China intensifies its campaign against scam centres across Southeast Asia. Such centres often target victims worldwide through online investment fraud and romance scams. Some workers are recruited through fake job offers, trafficked across borders and forced to participate in fraudulent activities under threats or physical abuse.
Chinese authorities have increased cooperation with neighbouring countries to dismantle these criminal networks, rescue trafficking victims and bring suspected offenders to justice.