A court in China has tried 21 members of a criminal group that was operating in northern Myanmar on charges of operating casinos, fraud, intentional homicide, forced prostitution, drug manufacturing and other charges.
The trial took place at the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court in Guangdong.
The authorities claim that the members of the gang, which is headed by Gay Saw Chain and Bay Hin Chin of building 41 compounds in the Kokang region of Myanmar and of providing armed protection to individuals operating illegal businesses in the compounds since August of 2009.
The gang’s illegal activities resulted in the death of six Chinese citizens, as well as injuries to numerous others.
According to state media reports, the group’s gambling and fraud-related funds topped CNY20 billion ($2.8 billion).
The verdict of the case will be announced at a later date.
“The members of the group should be held criminally liable for 12 charges, including fraud, intentional killing and intentional injury,” prosecutors told the court.
