A Chinese court has sentenced five top members of an infamous Myanmar mafia to death as Beijing continues its crackdown on scam operations in South East Asia.

In total, 21 members of the Bai family and their associates were convicted of serious crimes, including fraud and homicide. The Bai family's criminal empire, which rose to prominence in the 2000s, transformed the town of Laukkaing into a hub for casinos and illicit activities.

Recently, the group shifted focus to scams exploiting trafficked workers, particularly Chinese citizens, in operations worth billions. The sentencing of mafia leaders Bai Suocheng and his son Bai Yingcang underscores the Chinese government's determination to eradicate such networks and deter similar criminal syndicates.

These harsh penalties are part of a larger effort to address the abuses and financial crimes perpetrated by these criminal enterprises. Violence and severe mistreatment of victims within these scams have been reported, shocking many.

As China's crackdown intensifies, the implications resonate beyond borders, sending a clear warning to all who engage in crimes against Chinese nationals.