Crackdown on cross-border telcom fraud achieves significant progress　

In a major crackdown on cross-border telecom fraud, Chinese authorities have dismantled a criminal syndicate led by a man named Li, who operated from Myanmar. The gang defrauded more than 700 victims of nearly 98 million yuan ($13.7 million) through romance scams, fake investments, and fraudulent online transactions. Li also profited by renting out parts of his premises to other fraud groups, providing them with accommodation, security, and technical support, and facilitating the transfer of illicit funds, earning over 30 million yuan in the process.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate and the Ministry of Public Security of China oversaw a case led by the Longyan Public Security Bureau in East China’s Fujian province from June to September 2021. The investigation led to the prosecution of 122 individuals for fraud, organizing illegal border crossings, and concealing criminal proceeds. Between April 2022 and May 2024, a court in Longyan city sentenced the ringleader surnamed Li to 18 years in prison and fined him 8.55 million yuan. Nine key members received prison sentences ranging from three years and two months to eight years and eight months, with fines from 100,000 yuan to 5.13 million yuan.

An additional 112 participants received sentences ranging from seven months to seven years, with fines ranging from 5,000 yuan to 5.5 million yuan.

This case underscores the critical need to identify and prosecute cross-border telecom fraud rings, emphasizing asset recovery and financial penalties. The criminal network engaged in direct fraud and supported other fraud groups. Authorities stressed the importance of comprehensively calculating fraud amounts, covering both direct and indirect activities.

Law enforcement seized nearly 200 million yuan in cash and assets, including real estate, vehicles, gold, luxury watches, and cryptocurrencies. Prosecutors encouraged defendants to return funds, leading to the recovery of over 3.62 million yuan. Courts imposed fines exceeding 51.67 million yuan, ensuring that victims received restitution.

The case underscores the commitment of the Chinese authorities to dismantling the financial networks that sustain telecom fraud, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to recover assets and prevent criminals from laundering their gains through consumption and asset purchases. By applying strict financial penalties, authorities aim to sever the economic foundations that allow such criminal activities to thrive.