China Cracks Down on Ming Family Crime Syndicate

A high-profile trial in China has concluded for 23 members of a crime syndicate, primarily the Ming family, involved in extensive fraud and other crimes in Myanmar. The Wenzhou Intermediate People's Court in Zhejiang Province heard charges including murder, fraud, and drug trafficking, with the syndicate linked to the deaths of 14 Chinese nationals and over $1.37 billion in fraudulent activities. The group allegedly operated 'industrial parks' in Myanmar's Kokang region, using armed forces to protect their operations and engage in cross-border criminal activities. This trial is part of a broader crackdown by Chinese authorities, who are cooperating with Myanmar and Thailand to address these criminal operations. The syndicate's activities have flourished in Myanmar's borderlands, exploiting the region's lawlessness and trafficking individuals to operate scams. A verdict from the trial is pending, reflecting China's increased efforts to combat organized crime in Southeast Asia.