A total of 39 members of major criminal groups based in northern Myanmar were prosecuted in China on Monday for telecom fraud and other crimes targeting civilians in China.
The suspects, including Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, are all in or linked with the notorious crime family "Ming syndicate". They face charges of fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.
The case was filed to a court in Wenzhou, a coastal city in east China's Zhejiang Province.
"The Ming syndicate and crime organizations linked to it had a lot of members. The case involves thousands of suspects, with 39 key members, including those responsible for the deaths of Chinese citizens, facing charges handled by the Wenzhou Procuratorate. The other several thousands of suspects will be prosecuted by local courts in Wenzhou and across various parts of China," said Wang Sheng, the executive deputy chief prosecutor of Wenzhou.
The prosecution examined over 1,100 volumes of case files, nearly 15,000 pieces of evidence, and more than 50 terabytes of electronic data, and brought up over 500 evidence-related recommendations.
"This case involves 16 defendants who are Myanmar nationals. However, because the serious crimes they committed in Myanmar such as intentional homicide targeted Chinese citizens, China has criminal jurisdiction according to the protective jurisdiction provisions of Article 8 of its Criminal Law. In addition, they used telecommunications networks overseas to commit fraud against Chinese citizens, opened online casinos for Chinese citizens to gamble, and organized Chinese women to go abroad for prostitution. Because the crimes were committed partly within the territory of China, according to the principle of territorial jurisdiction in Article 6 of China's criminal law, China also has criminal jurisdiction," Wang said regarding the foreign nationals involved.
Underlining that the crime syndicate's drug trafficking infringed upon the common interests of the international community, the procuratorate stated that China is exercising criminal jurisdiction based on its obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and other relevant provisions of international treaties.
The procuratorate emphasized that it shall seek death penalty in court for those criminals whose actions were especially brutal, causing significant harm and endangering public safety.
China prosecutes 39 members of major telecom fraud gangs in northern Myanmar
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
