23 on trial for cross-border telecom fraud

GUANGZHOU - A total of 23 defendants, including 15 Taiwan residents, stood trial at a court in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, Tuesday in a cross-border telecom fraud case.

Prosecutors accused Taiwan resident Ye Qingshun of colluding with others to form two fraud groups in Malaysia from 2015 and swindling 44 mainland residents out of 7.86 million yuan ($1.2 million) by pretending to be staff of telecommunication, police or procuratorial agencies.

According to a court statement, some of the suspects have been dealt with in separate cases.

During Tuesday's trial, the prosecutors presented evidence, which the defendants and their defense counsels examined. Both sides expressed their opinions.

More than 30 people, including legislators, political advisors, journalists, the families of some defendants, and members of the public attended the open trial.

The court will announce the verdicts at a later date.