China takes down Bai family’s empire in Myanmar
Law enforcement uncovered mass graves and seized 11 tonnes of narcotics in the operation.
Myanmar.- Chinese authorities have taken action against a vast alleged criminal operation led by the Bai family in northern Myanmar’s Kokang region. The group is alleged to have conducted online gambling, telecom fraud, and narcotics trafficking, generated an estimated ¥286bn (US$39.5bn) in illegal proceeds and subjecting thousands of people to forced labour.
Authorities identified at least 41 scam compounds, including the Cangsheng Tech Park and Wangzhe Honglou. Investigators say the syndicate defrauded victims out of more than ¥106bn (US$14.7bn) through telecom scams alone and that illegal gambling operations moved another ¥180bn (US$25bn) through underground financial channels.
Victims were allegedly lured into the compounds under false promises of employment, only to be held captive and forced to participate in online scams. Those who failed to meet daily targets were reportedly beaten. During coordinated raids, law enforcement uncovered mass graves and seized 11 tonnes of narcotics.
“This operation reflects our resolve to protect Chinese citizens abroad and disrupt the underground economy fuelling regional instability,” a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Public Security said in a press briefing.
. In late 2023, China’s Ministry of Public Security launched an investigation, eventually leading to the arrest and extradition of 36 senior figures, including the Bai family leaders.
