Chinese man sentenced to seven months for tricking classmate to Myanmar

A man from Guangdong has been sentenced for deceiving a former middle school classmate into engaging in cyber scam operations in Myanmar for a reward of 8,000 yuan.

The man, surnamed Li, lured his classmate, Zhang, to Thailand on April 22, 2023, where Zhang was taken to Myanmar and forced to participate in cyber scam activities.

Zhang had texted his friend, stating he "couldn't escape" and was terrified of being physically harmed. He has lost contact since May 1, 2023, and has been missing for nearly two years. 

Li had later demanded money from the victim's family under various names, demanding a ransom ranging from 50,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan. 

Zhang's mother transferred 4,200 yuan and requested a video call with her son, but communication ceased. 

Li was arrested by police on August 24, 2023, in Boluo County. The court ruled that Li's behavior constituted deception, sentencing him to seven months in prison with a fine of 5,000 yuan.