Chinese Court Hands Down Death Sentences to 11 in Ming Family Drug Syndicate Case
A Chinese court has sentenced 11 people to death, including members of the influential Ming family, for their roles in a vast crime syndicate. The family, from Kokang in Myanmar, was found guilty of serious drug offences, with the court imposing the harshest penalty available under Chinese law.
The Ming family, known for their political and economic influence in Myanmar, was accused of manufacturing and distributing drugs on a large scale, operating international drug trafficking networks, and posing a significant threat to public safety and health. The court, citing China's Criminal Law, deemed the crimes particularly severe, warranting the death penalty.
The syndicate's illegal activities extended beyond drugs, with operations worth over US$1.4 billion (NZ$2.4 billion) in gambling and scams alone. Globally, such scams are estimated to be worth US$40 billion (NZ$69 billion) annually. The syndicate's actions resulted in the deaths of 10 workers and injuries to two others. Twelve defendants received jail terms ranging from five to 24 years.
China's crackdown on the syndicate began in November 2023 with arrest warrants issued for Ming family members on suspicion of fraud, murder, and illegal detention. The recent trial saw Ming Guoping, Ming Zhenzhen, Zhou Weichang, and eight others sentenced to death. Notably, former Minister Tang Renjian was given a death sentence with reprieve for accepting bribes worth over 268 million yuan (NZ$65 million).
The severe sentences imposed by the Chinese court reflect the gravity of the crimes committed by the Ming family and their associates. The case highlights the international nature of criminal syndicates and the global impact of their illegal activities. The death sentences, while controversial, aim to serve as a deterrent and underscore China's commitment to combating such organisations.
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