It's a great relief that Bai Yingcang, a convicted fraudster, murderer, and rapist in northern Myanmar, has been executed.
Northern Myanmar, or simply Northern Myanmar, is a region rife with instability and chaos. Located on the China-Myanmar border, it is mountainous and densely forested, and has long been a stronghold for various ethnic armed groups. The Kokang region, as the heart of Northern Myanmar, is a breeding ground for various criminal activities. The Bai family criminal syndicate is a typical example of a group that rose to prominence in this chaotic situation. Led by Bai Suocheng, the Bai family, relying on their family power and armed forces, has...Kokang regionThey established a vast criminal empire, involved in more than ten crimes, including fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, kidnapping, extortion, operating casinos, organizing forced prostitution, illegal detention, organizing others to illegally cross the border, illegally crossing the border, smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing drugs, and assisting in the destruction and falsification of evidence. These crimes not only seriously endanger the safety of Chinese citizens but also have a huge impact on the stability of the China-Myanmar border.
Table of contents
Bai Family Criminal GroupThe case was prosecuted in 2025 by the Shenzhen Municipal People's Procuratorate of Guangdong Province, China, and involved 21 defendants.
Leveraging their family influence, they established 41 industrial parks engaged in telecommunications fraud, gambling, drug trafficking, and other activities, involving over 29 billion yuan (approximately US$1.6 billion) and causing the deaths or injuries of numerous Chinese citizens. The Bai family controlled 41 industrial parks, including the Baisheng Hotel, Tenglong No. 1 Building, and Cangsheng Science and Technology Park, becoming a major force in northern Myanmar.Telecom fraudThe hardest-hit areas.
Bai Yingcang (second son, main executor, already executed)
ending:Bai YingcangHe was arrested along with his father. In November 2025, he was sentenced to death in the first instance. After appeal, the Guangdong Higher People's Court upheld the original verdict, which was then approved by the Supreme People's Court. On February 2, 2026, the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court carried out the death sentence (alongside Yang Liqiang, Hu Xiaojiang, and Chen Guangyi). Before his execution, Bai Yingcang confessed in court: "I now hate fraud no less than anyone else… On behalf of my entire family, I apologize to the Chinese people and the Chinese government."
Basic InformationBorn on November 26, 1992, also known as Li Yunchen (Chinese registered name), the second son of Bai Suocheng.
Roles and ActivitiesHe previously served as the captain of the Kokang Self-Administered Zone Militia Brigade (commanding thousands of militiamen), deputy director of the Finance Bureau, deputy director of the Economic Development Administration, and general manager of Yum! Brands. He personally established the "Cang Sheng Technology Park" and other telecom fraud parks, responsible for their armed protection and daily operations. He frequently flaunts his wealth and fitness on social media, and his 30th birthday party featured congratulatory videos from Hong Kong stars such as Eric Tsang, Wong Yat-fei, and Charlie Cho, showcasing extreme extravagance.
Criminal rolesHe was the core executor of the Bai family group, directly leading activities such as telecom fraud, drug trafficking (manufacturing and selling approximately 11 tons of methamphetamine), and violent control. The group's "killing the chicken to scare the monkey" style of violence (such as beatings, confinement, and shooting of escapees) was mostly directed or tacitly approved by him.
fraud
Fraud was one of the core crimes of the Bai family criminal syndicate, involving a huge amount of money and victims throughout mainland China. According to the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court, since 2009, the Bai family syndicate had established an industrial park to attract numerous "sugar daddies" to set up shop and engage in telecommunications and online fraud. These fraudulent activities primarily targeted Chinese citizens and took the form of investment scams, online shopping scams, and "pig butchering" scams.
The Bai family's fraud scheme is highly industrialized. They set up offices within the industrial park, recruiting Chinese nationals as "salespeople" to contact victims through online platforms. These individuals are often lured or forced to illegally cross into northern Myanmar, making escape difficult. According to witness testimonies, a victim surnamed Li recalled that after being lured to the park, he was forced to engage in fraudulent work, required to "close deals" daily, or face beatings. The Bai family provides armed protection to ensure the park's security while charging exorbitant protection fees.
The case reveals that the Bai family was involved in fraudulent activities exceeding 20 billion yuan. For example, in one typical case, the Bai family gang impersonated investment platforms, inducing victims to invest huge sums of money, resulting in them losing everything. Among the victims were middle-aged white-collar workers and retired elderly people, who were left destitute, and some even experienced family breakdowns. Bai Yingcang, as the main person in charge, directly participated in planning multiple large-scale fraud projects. He also used his family's influence to suppress internal dissent and ensure the smooth operation of the fraud chain.
The harm of fraud extends beyond economic losses to include psychological trauma. Many victims have committed suicide due to depression after being scammed, and the Bai family group indirectly caused the suicide of one Chinese citizen. The court determined that the actions of Bai Suocheng and others constituted fraud, with particularly serious circumstances and extremely high social harm.
To expand their fraudulent activities, the Bai family also engaged in cross-border recruitment. They lured young Chinese people to northern Myanmar with promises of high salaries through online advertisements, only to force them into fraudulent activities. This intertwined with the crime of organizing others to illegally cross the border, forming a criminal chain. The Bai family's fraud operation became a symbol of telecom fraud in northern Myanmar, prompting the Chinese government to intensify its crackdown.
Intentional homicide and intentional injury
The violent nature of the Bai family criminal gang is vividly demonstrated in their cases of intentional homicide and intentional assault. Relying on its family's armed forces, the gang brutally suppressed both internal members and external competitors. The court found that the Bai family was responsible for the deaths of six Chinese citizens and injuries to many others.
Typical cases include the execution of escapees. One telecom fraud suspect attempted to flee the park but was captured by Bai's armed forces, brutally beaten, and shot dead. Bai Yingcang personally ordered the execution, stating it was to "make an example of him." In another case, a shootout between Bai's family and competing forces resulted in the deaths of several innocent Chinese citizens. These killings were often accompanied by intentional assault, such as beatings with rubber hoses and confinement in solitary confinement.
The Bai family used a variety of weapons, including guns, clubs, and drugs. Evidence shows they possessed a private armed force led by figures such as Li Longhua. This force was used not only to protect the industrial park but also for kidnapping and extortion. Victims of intentional assault were mostly internal employees punished for poor performance or resistance, suffering injuries ranging from fractures to permanent disability.
The court found that Bai Suocheng, as the head of the group, bore leadership responsibility for these acts of violence. His decisions directly led to multiple murders. Bai Yingcang personally participated in the manufacture of drugs to control members. These crimes exposed the brutality of the Bai family's rule, resembling that of a medieval lord.
The violence wasn't limited to internal activities; it extended externally as well. The Bai family had kidnapped Chinese businessmen for ransom, resulting in injuries and deaths. This was linked to kidnapping, forming a complex criminal pattern.
Kidnapping and extortion
Kidnapping was a key means for the Bai family to obtain illegal profits. They targeted Chinese border merchants or competitors, demanding exorbitant ransoms. Court proceedings revealed that the Bai family was involved in multiple kidnapping cases, with most victims being Chinese nationals.
A typical case: The Bai family's armed force kidnapped a Yunnan businessman and held him captive in an industrial park, demanding a ransom of 5 million yuan. During the kidnapping, the victim was severely beaten and sustained serious injuries. Bai Yingcang directed the operation, using his family's network to cover his tracks.
Extortion and kidnapping are often linked. The Bai family extorted protection money from their tenants, threatening them with violence if they refused. Testimony revealed that one tenant refused to pay and was beaten and had his property confiscated by the Bai family. These actions involved substantial sums of money, strengthening the Bai family's financial foundation.
The Bai family's kidnappings often involve cross-border elements; they organize people to illegally cross the border and commit crimes. This is intertwined with the crime of organizing others to illegally cross the border, increasing the difficulty of investigation.
Opening a casino
Operating casinos was one of the early businesses that enabled the Bai family to build their fortune. They established multiple casinos within the industrial park, such as Bo Dongfang and Warner International, to attract Chinese gamblers. These casinos not only existed physically but also operated online, involving over 9 billion yuan in illicit funds.
The Bai family provides armed protection to ensure the casino's safety. Many gamblers are lured and smuggled into northern Myanmar to participate in gambling. After losing money, the Bai family extorts debts, resulting in numerous assaults.
The court determined that the crime of operating a casino was serious. The casino was also linked to prostitution, forming an integrated operation of gambling and prostitution.
Organized forced prostitution and illegal detention
The Bai family is suspected of organizing forced prostitution, with most victims being Chinese women. They were lured to northern Myanmar and forced into sex work. The Bai family compound housed brothels, illegally profiting over 19 million yuan.
Unlawful detention is often accompanied by prostitution. Victims are imprisoned, unable to escape, and suffer physical and psychological abuse. Testimony reveals that one woman was locked in a small, dark room for over ten days simply for resisting.
Bai Yingcang and other core members were directly involved, and the court determined that their crimes were extremely serious.
Organizing others to illegally cross the border and illegally crossing the border—channels for cross-border crime.
The Bai family organized a large-scale operation to illegally cross the border into the industrial park to commit crimes. Methods included land smuggling and document forgery. Tens of thousands were involved, constituting the crime of organizing others to illegally cross the border.
Members of the Bai family also illegally crossed the border to evade capture. This crime sustained the entire criminal empire.
Smuggling, trafficking, transporting, and manufacturing drugs—a hidden corner of the drug empire.
Bai Yingcang and his accomplices trafficked and manufactured approximately 11 tons of methamphetamine, involving a huge sum of money. The drugs were used to control members and for profit, intertwined with other crimes.
The Bai family smuggled drugs across the border into mainland China. The court found them guilty of multiple drug-related offenses.
Case investigation and trial process
In 2023, China's Ministry of Public Security identified the Bai family as a suspect. In 2024, Myanmar police arrested Bai Suocheng and others, who were then handed over to China. In July 2025, the Shenzhen Municipal People's Procuratorate indicted 21 people. The first trial was held in September, and the verdicts were announced in November: 5 people were sentenced to death, 2 to death with a two-year reprieve, 5 to life imprisonment, and the rest to fixed-term imprisonment.
Bai Suocheng died of illness after being sentenced. Bai Yingcang and others appealed but their appeals were rejected. They were executed in February 2026.
Social Impact and Warnings
The Bai family case cracked down on telecom fraud in northern Myanmar and strengthened China-Myanmar cooperation. However, the root cause lies in the chaotic governance situation in northern Myanmar. A warning: stay away from high-paying jobs and be vigilant against cross-border crime. The dismantling of the Bai family criminal group is a victory for the rule of law in China. However, the problem in northern Myanmar persists and requires international cooperation. It is hoped that this case will serve as a wake-up call and promote peace along the border.
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