Thousands of Chinese lured abroad and forced to be scammers – now Beijing is cracking down

Chinese authorities are intensifying a crackdown on organized crime syndicates in Myanmar that have lured thousands of Chinese nationals into forced online scam operations, highlighting the government’s efforts to combat a multi-billion dollar industry and reassure domestic audiences. Recent state media documentaries offer rare glimpses into this campaign, targeting powerful mafia families operating in border regions like Laukkaing, where they built empires on fraud and other illicit activities. These families, including the Weis, Lius, Mings, and Bais, rose to prominence in the early 2000s, transforming an impoverished area into a hub of casinos and scam compounds. Under their rule, they controlled local militias, infrastructure, and political positions, amassing wealth through gambling, prostitution, and increasingly, cyberscams that exploited vulnerable workers. The crackdown gained momentum in 2023 when Myanmar authorities, under pressure from Beijing, arrested key figures and extradited them to China for prosecution on charges ranging from fraud to human trafficking and homicide. Inside the scam compounds, workers faced horrific conditions, including physical torture, starvation, and threats of death if they failed to meet fraud quotas. Freed individuals have described abuses like fingers being chopped off, electric baton shocks, and prolonged confinement in dark cells, with many lured by fake job offers promising high salaries amid China’s economic challenges. Beijing’s publicized efforts aim to address growing domestic anxiety, as stories of trapped citizens have permeated Chinese media and social discourse, eroding public trust. High-profile cases, such as the rescue of actor Wang Xing in January after he was deceived into a scam center, have heightened awareness and pressure on authorities to demonstrate their capability to protect nationals abroad. Internationally, the United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands of people remain trapped in similar scam centers worldwide, often run by Chinese nationals, straining diplomatic relations and fueling criticism of China’s global image. Since 2023, Chinese and Myanmar authorities have arrested over 57,000 Chinese nationals linked to these operations, with state media reporting a decline in domestic cyberscam incidents as a sign of progress. Despite these efforts, new syndicates described as a new generation of power in Laukkaing continue to emerge, underscoring the persistent challenge of eradicating these networks entirely. The ongoing prosecutions and media campaigns reflect Beijing’s commitment to restoring a sense of security among its citizens and curbing crimes that undermine both domestic stability and international standing.