China Pledges Deeper International Cooperation Against Cross-Border Fraud and Online Gambling

China Reaffirms Commitment to Combat Cross-Border Crime

China has announced its unwavering commitment to deepen international law enforcement cooperation in the fight against cross-border telecom fraud, online gambling, and other associated criminal activities. This declaration was made by Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday, February 2, 2026, emphasizing China's resolve to eradicate these pervasive issues.

Targeting a Regional Scourge

The intensified efforts are primarily aimed at criminal networks that have established operations in neighboring Southeast Asian countries, particularly in regions bordering Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. These illicit activities, often involving sophisticated tactics and exploiting vulnerable individuals, have been described as a 'regional nuisance' that seriously endangers the lives and properties of citizens, undermines social stability, and tarnishes the international image of the region. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that annual economic losses from such scams in East and Southeast Asia range between $20 billion and $40 billion.

Recent Crackdowns and Joint Operations Yield Results

China's commitment is underscored by recent significant actions and successful joint operations with regional partners. These include:

• The establishment of trilateral coordination mechanisms with Myanmar and Thailand to dismantle scam compounds.
• The repatriation of over 5,500 criminal suspects from Myanmar to China.
• Joint operations with Laotian police leading to the capture of more than 600 suspects in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.
• Collaborative efforts with Vietnamese police resulting in the apprehension of 149 suspects.
• Operations with Cambodian police that led to the seizure of 2,141 suspects.

In a strong demonstration of its firm stance, China recently executed 11 individuals linked to the 'Ming family criminal group' and an additional 4 leaders of the 'Bai family criminal group' within a week. These groups were responsible for large-scale telecommunications fraud and gambling operations from northern Myanmar, which reportedly involved over 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion) and resulted in the deaths of multiple Chinese citizens.

Future Outlook on Cooperation

Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of Public Security, plan to continue deepening international collaboration through coordinated multinational operations, enhanced intelligence sharing, and regular coordination mechanisms. The goal is to dismantle fraud hubs and ensure the continued repatriation and handover of individuals involved in these crimes. China also encourages the establishment of dedicated anti-fraud and anti-gambling centers to facilitate the tracing of illicit funds and the sharing of preventive information. This comprehensive approach aims to safeguard people's lives and property and maintain regional stability.