Myanmar hands over 10 major criminal suspects to China

Myanmar law enforcement authorities handed over 10 major criminal suspects, including six leaders of telecom fraud groups, to China's public security organs, as announced by the Ministry of Public Security on Tuesday.

The 10 suspects, namely Bai Suocheng, Bai Yingcang, Wei Huairen, Liu Zhengxiang, Liu Zhengmao, and Xu Laofa — six leaders of telecom fraud groups — were transferred, along with four other individuals considered major criminal suspects.

The ministry highlighted that this operation represents a significant achievement in international law enforcement cooperation between China and Myanmar. It underscores the strong determination and resolute will of both countries to jointly combat transnational telecom fraud and maintain a safe and stable order.

For an extended period, criminal groups in northern Myanmar, led by individuals such as Bai Suocheng, Wei Huairen, Liu Zhengxiang, and Xu Laofa, have organized fraudulent dens, openly employing armed protection for their activities. These groups have consistently conducted telecom fraud targeting Chinese citizens, resulting in substantial financial losses. Additionally, they are suspected of engaging in severe violent crimes such as intentional murder, intentional injury, and illegal detention, reflecting extremely heinous criminal activities and posing serious social harm.

In December 2023, Chinese public security authorities announced a reward for the apprehension of Bai Suocheng and other key leaders of telecom fraud groups in northern Myanmar. Subsequently, the Ministry of Public Security dispatched a working group to Myanmar for international law enforcement cooperation. The working group engaged in multiple rounds of talks and negotiations with Myanmar authorities, reaching a consensus on jointly combating telecom fraud. Myanmar authorities then successfully apprehended the 10 individuals.

On Tuesday, Myanmar decided to transfer these individuals to China, and on the same day, the Ministry of Public Security organized Yunnan public security officers to fly to Myanmar to bring them back.

Through continuous efforts in preceding operations, from 2023 to the present, Myanmar has transferred 44,000 telecom fraud suspects targeting China to China. This includes 171 masterminds, organizers, and core members, as well as 2,908 online fugitives, according to the ministry.