China convicts 41,000 and executes 16 in telecom fraud crackdown

China has concluded a sweeping campaign against telecom and online fraud, convicting over 41,000 individuals, including 16 sentenced to death, according to state media reports. The crackdown targets organized networks responsible for scams that have defrauded citizens across China and internationally.

Scale of the crackdown

Authorities describe the operations as part of a coordinated effort to address rising financial crimes, particularly those conducted via phone calls, text messages, and online platforms. Officials emphasized that the convictions send a “strong message” about the government’s determination to protect citizens from increasingly sophisticated scams.

Impact and enforcement

The campaign also involved significant police investigations and coordination with technology companies to trace fraudulent activities. Legal experts note that China’s aggressive sentencing reflects the state’s strict approach toward economic crime, including the use of capital punishment for the most severe cases.

Broader context

Telecom fraud has surged in China over recent years, often involving cross-border networks exploiting gaps in international cooperation. The government has repeatedly pledged to expand surveillance and preventive measures to curb the rise of these schemes.