Insurgents in Myanmar persist in their opposition against the authoritarian rule of the country. In the midst of their fight, these liberators have raided casinos and scam operations, liberating enslaved workers and holding organized crime figures hostage.
Recent reports suggest that the insurgents, committing on behalf of three ethnic minorities and anti-junta forces, successfully seized Laukkaing, a critical town situated near the China border. During their occupation of the notorious Shan State town, the insurgents made significant moves against the local casino and fraudulent call centers.
The casinos in Myanmar are mostly operated by powerful members of the Chinese mafia. Several mob families have held significant sway over the Shan State for some time now, with considerable ties to Myanmar’s military leadership.
The insurgents have handed over some of their captured hostages to Chinese law enforcement for applicable measures. This notably comprised Ming Guoping and Ming Zhenzhen, whom are affiliated with a well-known criminal family and are kin to the late Ming Xuechang. The insurgents claim that Ming Xuechang took his own life while in custody; however, there are many who approach these claims with skepticism.
Reports suggest that Ming Xuechang controlled the local authorities which allowed him to operate extensive human trafficking businesses without the fear of intervention. During a breakout attempt about a month ago, Ming’s enforcers opened fire, resulting in several women dead. Following the incident, China, formerly a supporter of Myanmar’s military regime, issued arrest warrant for members of the Ming family.
Meanwhile, the liberators have also freed a significant number of trafficked workers forced to serve in Shan State’s scam operations.
Military Retains Laukkaing’s Leader as Hostage
Prior to 2009, Laukkaing was under the rule of a rebel military officer named Peng Jiasheng. Peng was ousted by his former comrade, Bai Suocheng, who subsequently took control of the area and pledged his allegiance to the Myanmar junta.
In return for his loyalty, the military leadership allowed Bai to manage casino operations catering primary to wealthy international patrons, predominantly from China. However, Bai later expanded his operations to involve money laundering, human trafficking, and scam call centers.
Bai was eventually detained by the Myanmar Army, despite his previous alliance with the military junta. Reports indicate that he was taken into custody earlier this month during an escape attempt.
