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Here is an introduction to the first-instance trial of the Wei family criminal group from northern Myanmar, based on official Chinese media reports.

📋 Trial Overview

From May 19 to 22, 2026, the Quanzhou Intermediate People's Court in Fujian Province held a public first-instance trial for Wei Huairen (魏怀仁), Liao Jingfang (廖景芳), Kang Min (康敏), and other defendants associated with the Wei family criminal group. The Wei family was one of the "Four Families" that dominated the Kokang region of northern Myanmar and are accused of operating extensive telecom fraud parks targeting Chinese citizens .

⚖️ Charges and Allegations

The Quanzhou People's Procuratorate brought multiple serious charges against the defendants. According to the indictment :

  • Telecom Fraud: From 2019 onward, the Wei family group allegedly exploited their political and military influence in Myanmar's Kokang region to build and operate multiple fraud compounds. They invited "investors" (金主) to set up operations while providing armed protection. The group is accused of defrauding Chinese citizens of over 2.4 billion RMB (approximately $330 million USD) .
  • Crimes Causing Death: The group's actions allegedly resulted in the deaths of two Chinese citizens. Additional charges of intentional homicide were filed against co-defendants Chen Dawei (陈大卫) and Xiong Hengxing (熊恒星) for the deaths of another two Chinese citizens .
  • Additional Crimes: The charges also include intentional homicide, extortion, organizing illegal border crossings, illegal border crossing, and sheltering drug use .

🔍 Background of the Wei Family Group

The Wei family was a critical part of the "Four Families" network in Kokang, known for its systematic use of armed force. According to earlier reports from state media :

  • Wei Huairen served as the chairman of the Border Defense Force Supervision Committee appointed by the Myanmar government, giving the family formal military authority.

  • The Wei family structure was described as a "triangle" of politics, military, and business:

    • The eldest brother, Wei Chaoren (魏超仁), engaged in politics as a former member of Myanmar's Union Parliament.
    • Wei Huairen commanded the armed forces.
    • Second-generation members managed the fraud compounds.
  • The family was previously reported to be responsible for the deaths of 8 Chinese citizens, with fraud amounts exceeding 5 billion RMB and gambling funds exceeding 9 billion RMB .

⚖️ Trial Proceedings and Next Steps

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, and both the defense and prosecution fully expressed their arguments under the court's supervision. Each defendant made a final statement. Following the conclusion of proceedings, the court announced an adjournment, and the verdict will be announced at a later date .

Representatives from the National People's Congress, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, family members of the defendants, and members of the public attended the trial as observers .

📊 Context: The "Four Families" Crackdown

The Wei family case is part of a massive crackdown by Chinese authorities on the "Four Families" criminal groups operating in northern Myanmar:

  • Ming family (明家): 11 defendants, including Ming Guoping and Ming Zhenzhen, were sentenced to death and executed by January 2026 .
  • Bai family (白家): 5 defendants, including Bai Suocheng and Bai Yingcang, were sentenced to death .
  • Wei family (魏家) and Liu family (刘家): Awaiting trial verdicts .

As of the end of 2025, Chinese courts had concluded over 27,000 first-instance cases related to northern Myanmar telecom fraud, sentencing more than 41,000 repatriated fraud workers. A total of 285 members of the "Four Families" were prosecuted .

The trial of the Wei family group represents another major milestone in China's ongoing effort to dismantle cross-border criminal networks and uphold justice for victims of telecom fraud and violent crime.