11 inmates were executed today in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang province, eastern China. This action followed the Supreme People's Court's approval of their sentences. Xinhua reported that "Relatives of the inmates were allowed to meet them before the execution."

The Minh family gang, recognized as one of China's four major fraud families, saw 39 of its members sentenced in 9/2025. Their convictions included murder, illegal detention, fraud, and operating gambling dens.

Of those sentenced, 11 defendants, including two ringleaders, received death sentences. Five others were given death sentences with a two-year reprieve, while 11 received life imprisonment. The remaining defendants were handed prison sentences ranging from 5-24 years. Additionally, some faced fines, asset confiscation, and deportation.

Defendants from the Minh family in court in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang province, China, 9/2025. Photo: CCTV

The court clarified that the sentences reflected each defendant's criminal actions, circumstances, and the danger they posed to society.

The Minh family gang formerly controlled Laukkaing, a remote town in Myanmar situated near the Chinese border. Under their rule, Laukkaing transformed into a hub of casinos and red-light districts.

This criminal organization leveraged its influence to establish an armed force and committed numerous crimes starting in 2015. The group created scam centers, collaborating with other gangs for funding and weapon support. The gang's primary activities encompassed phone scams, casino operations, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.

The Minh family's fraud empire collapsed in 2023. This occurred when Myanmar authorities initiated a crackdown and subsequently handed over gang members to China.

According to the court, the gang amassed over 10 billion yuan (1.4 billion USD) in illicit profits from fraud and casino activities between 2015 and 2023. Their criminal actions resulted in the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and caused injuries to many others.

In recent years, China has intensified its efforts against online fraud. It has dispatched working groups to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia to foster law enforcement cooperation.

China's Ministry of Public Security reported in 7/2025 that it had addressed 1.74 million phone scam cases since 2021. Coordinated operations have dismantled over 2,000 overseas scam centers and led to the arrest of over 80,000 suspects.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Xinhua, BBC)