Photo: CCTV

A total of 307 Chinese nationals suspected of cross-border telecom and online fraud, of whom 20 were fugitives wanted online, were apprehended and extradited to China from Myanmar, according to the China Central Television (CCTV) on Wednesday, as a series of crackdowns have resulted in a total of more than 50,000 Chinese suspects involved in fraud being handed over to China since last year.

To intensify the crackdown on cross-border telecom fraud targeting Chinese residents in northern Myanmar and dismantle fraud operations, China's Ministry of Public Security deployed authorities from Southwest China's Yunnan Province to conduct a joint operation with local law enforcement in Myanmar.

According to the CCTV report, a large number of mobile phones, computers, and other tools used in the trade were seized. It was also found that the gang was hiding in northern Myanmar and committed fraud by setting up a virtual coin network investment platform and inducing victims to engage in fraudulent activities by encouraging them to "buy low and sell high" virtual coins on the platform.

All the suspects and items of evidence involved in the case have been smoothly transferred to China through the border port of Menglian county in Yunnan, while public security organs in the province have launched a simultaneous netting of nine suspected accomplices within the country. Further investigation is proceeding.

Officials from the Ministry of Public Security said that while telecommunication network fraud crimes involving Chinese residents in northern Myanmar have been significantly reduced, some criminals continue to resist. 

China will further strengthen international and border law enforcement cooperation and continuously increase strength in combating these crimes, officials said. 

Global Times