By Berk Kutay Gokmen
ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday sentenced to death 16 criminals linked to gangs based in northern Myanmar, including key members of telecom fraud groups, state-run Xinhua News reported.
A local court in Wenzhou, located in Zhejiang, eastern China, handed down the death sentences on multiple criminal charges, with five of the defendants getting a two-year reprieve.
Additionally, 11 others were sentenced to life in prison, while another 12 defendants were given prison terms ranging from five to 24 years, along with additional penalties such as fines, property confiscation, and deportation.
The court said that since 2015, the defendants had set up various compounds to house criminal organizations and provide armed protection for illegal activities, including telecom fraud, casinos, drug trafficking, and prostitution rings.
The crimes related to gambling and fraud involved more than 10 billion yuan (nearly $1.4 billion). The criminal activities also resulted in 14 deaths and six injuries.
The court explained that its decisions were based on the law, considering the facts, the nature of each defendant’s crimes, the circumstances, and the degree of harm caused to society.
The sentencing was observed by more than 160 people, including Chinese legislators, political advisors, journalists, family members of those involved, and members of the public.