<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-21/MOFA-More-fraud-suspects-to-be-repatriated-from-Myanmar-to-China-1Bb1gNJtjPi/img/0e0d5bfe88e146d6999df441abb32cc9/0e0d5bfe88e146d6999df441abb32cc9.png' alt='A group of 200 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in fraud returned to China under the escort of Chinese police after being repatriated from Myawaddy in Myanmar, February 20, 2025. /Xinhua'
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday said that more batches of Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in fraud-related crimes are expected to be repatriated from Myanmar to China.
It is reported that the first group of 200 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in fraud returned to China from Myanmar via Thailand under the escort of Chinese police on Thursday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed the report, stressing China, Thailand and Myanmar have jointly launched an operation to combat crimes including online gambling and scam along the border between Thailand and Myanmar.
“We appreciate the strong steps taken by Thailand and Myanmar to dismantle the scam gangs and protect the life and property of citizens from China and other countries,” he said.
Noting online gambling and scam does no one good and will eventually be punished by law, Guo said China has always been firmly resolved in working together with other countries to combat cross-border online gambling and scams and protecting the life and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese diplomatic missions overseas will continue to provide stronger consular protection and assistance and do everything we can to keep Chinese citizens safe and protect their well-beings, he added.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, the suspects were first sent to Thailand’s Mae Sot, which shares a border with Myawaddy, on Thursday, before being flown back to China on several chartered flights. They arrived at an airport in Nanjing, the capital of eastern Jiangsu Province.
The Ministry of Public Security in a statement introduced that Thailand has cut off electricity, internet and fuel supplies to Myawaddy, and strengthened patrols to prevent illegal border crossings by individuals involved in fraud. Myanmar has deployed forces to raid telecom fraud compounds in Myawaddy, arrested fraud suspects, and rescued Chinese nationals trapped in scam operations.
Over recent years, Chinese authorities have made coordinated efforts to fight these rampant crimes.
Earlier this month, a Chinese court in Zhejiang Province tried 23 defendants including key members of several major telecom fraud groups based in northern Myanmar. They were charged with 11 counts of criminal offences including fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution.
According to the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, between January and November 2024, China’s procuratorial authorities nationwide charged over 67,000 individuals with telecom and online fraud, up 58.5 percent year on year.
Since the launch of a special campaign in July 2023, police have apprehended over 53,000 Chinese suspects involved in telecom and internet fraud operating from northern Myanmar.
(With input from Xinhua)