China probe reveals brutality of fraud farm ops in Myanmar

Syndicate severed victims' fingers, deprived them of food and killed those who disobeyed

- Aw Cheng Wei China Correspondent

Chinese police on Oct 17 announced the prosecution of a criminal empire that had allegedly lured Chinese citizens to Myanmar and forced them to work at fraud farms through violent abuse, releasing details about the victims' suffering.

The syndicate - fronted by Xu Laofa, also known as Xu Faqi - had severed victims' fingers, beaten captives with bamboo rods and even gone as far as to kill those who did not obey orders, local media reported on Oct 17.

Public hearings for six syndicate members, including Xu, were held between Sept 17 and 19 at the Chongqing Fifth Intermediate People's Court, the reports said.

Charges included fraud, intentional injury, illegal detention, extortion, smuggling and drug trafficking. The verdict will be announced at a later date.

This court case follows that of another involving a criminal syndicate operating scam factories in northern Myanmar near the border with China.