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HANGZHOU: A total of 39 members of major criminal groups based in northern Myanmar were prosecuted in China on Monday (Dec 30) for telecom fraud and other crimes targeting civilians in China.
The suspects, including Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, face charges of fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organising prostitution.
The case was filed to a local court in Wenzhou, a coastal city in east China's Zhejiang Province.
Wenzhou procurators reported that 16 defendants of the transnational criminal case are citizens of Myanmar.
Additionally, several thousand other suspects linked to the criminal groups are currently under investigation by procuratorates in Wenzhou and other locations across China.
Over 10,000 confirmed cases of telecom fraud associated with these suspects have been reported, amounting to billions of yuan, with several Chinese citizens having lost their lives.
Chinese procurators emphasised that the case reflects China's dedication to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the nation and its citizens.
"These crimes partially took place within Chinese borders, specifically targeted Chinese citizens, and jeopardised the shared interests of the international community, thus granting China jurisdiction under its Criminal Law and international treaties," stated the procurators overseeing the case.
Through a coordinated law enforcement mechanism, Chinese and Burmese police conducted on-site investigations, collected evidence, interviewed personnel, and apprehended and transferred criminal suspects.
Chinese prosecutors indicated they have heightened legal oversight, ensuring compliance with the Criminal Procedure Law of China and relevant regulations for collecting evidence from abroad, thereby upholding its legality.
The prosecutors affirmed their commitment to protecting the legal rights of the Burmese defendants by informing them of their rights during legal proceedings, facilitating the appointment of defense attorneys, and offering legal aid. Translators were provided and consular protection was assured. - Xinhua
