A charted flight transporting 92 criminal suspects involved in telecommunications fraud landed at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport on September 11, 2023. Photo: Li Hao/GT

The police in Baoshan, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, issued an announcement on Tuesday urging individuals illegally staying in northern Myanmar to return to China by the end of this year, so as to effectively combat illegal activities in the telecommunications network, and ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

The announcement pointed out that people who are illegally staying in the northern region of Myanmar must turn back by December 31. Before returning, they need to report to the police by phone at least seven days in advance, and return to China through legitimate means. Upon arriving, they must report to the local police as soon as possible.

Those who report in advance and voluntarily return to the country within the specified time limit may be given lenient or reduced punishment according to the law, the announcement said, and those whose circumstances are significantly minor and the harm is not significant may be exempted from punishment based on the situation.

According to the announcement, family members of those illegally staying in northern Myanmar should cooperate with the public security organs and actively encourage their relatives to return to China in a timely manner. Those who refuse to accept advice and fail to truthfully confess their illegal activities will be thoroughly investigated by the police and punished according to law.

The local police encourage the masses to actively report and expose individuals illegally staying in northern Myanmar and any related criminal clues.

For those illegal residents who refuse to return to China by December 31, the public security authorities will take punitive measures in accordance with laws and regulations, such as suspension of household registration services. They will also be put under control and reported to legally prohibit them from leaving the country.

Additionally, those who don't return home on time will have all their bank cards and other electronic payment cards and related accounts that have payment, transfer, settlement, credit loans, and cash withdrawal functions suspended. They will also have all their communication SIM cards suspended, and will not be allowed to apply for new bank cards or SIM cards within five years.

According to the local police, the announcement was made to intensify the crackdown on illegal activities in the telecommunications network, and to punish cross-border illegal activities, so as to protect people's lives and property, and to resolutely maintain stability of society.

According to media reports on Monday, China's Ministry of Public Security has started to solicit public opinions on punishment measures for telecom fraud perpetrators, a day after Chinese police offered a cash reward for information related to four telecom fraud ringleaders staying in northern Myanmar.

Global Times