Liu Zhongyi, an esteemed first-class investigator, has spent three decades at the forefront of China’s battle against criminal enterprises, and there’s no slowing him down at 60. An indomitable figure in law enforcement, Liu currently serves as China’s assistant minister for public security. His mission? To dismantle the notorious call center scam syndicates festering along the Myanmar border, purportedly helmed by Chinese nationals.
Born in August 1965, Liu’s journey to prominence began at Heilongjiang Public Security Police Vocational College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. His dedication to China’s public safety and his unyielding commitment to the Communist Party of China have led him to the echelons of power, including his roles as an assistant minister, the party secretary-general, and the director of the Fifth Bureau Command Center.
Liu’s meteoric rise from the head of a provincial police station in Heilongjiang to one of the highest-ranking officers in China’s criminal investigation arena is a testament to his unmatched investigative prowess. Whether tracking down elusive felons or dissecting complex criminal networks, Liu’s skills have repeatedly proven formidable. In recognition of this, he was named the “National Public Security Model” in 2017, highlighting his excellence and achievements in resolving heinous crimes while serving as the deputy director of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security.
One of Liu’s crowning achievements occurred in 2019, when a joint operation across China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand unraveled 760 cases of human trafficking and fraudulent marriages. This extensive crackdown, which ran from June to December 2018, led to the arrest of 1,332 suspects, including 262 foreigners, and the liberation of 1,130 abducted foreign women and 17 children.
Since assuming the role of assistant minister, Liu has tirelessly traveled across borders to fortify international efforts against transnational crime. His reputation as a fierce crimefighter has increasingly woven him into the media tapestry of Thailand and greater Asia. Most notably, Liu’s operational acumen was showcased when he orchestrated the rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing. Xing was deceitfully drawn into Myanmar’s Karen state by scam artists but was safely returned to Thailand sans his locks, having been missing for several days.
Commendably, on January 27, Liu met with Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, the head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), to fortify cooperation against scam networks entrenched in Myawaddy. During his visit, Liu also engaged in reconnaissance along the Thai border, scrutinizing areas such as Shwekokko and KK Park, which lie opposite Thailand’s Mae Sot district.
In his most recent endeavors, Liu navigated the bustling town of Myawaddy to dismantle call center scam networks flagged by China. His tour included reaching out to victims at the Border Guard Force (BGF) headquarters in Shwe Kokko township. This visit captivated media attention, shining a spotlight on Liu’s unwavering efforts to rid the world of criminal exploitation and champion the cause of justice.
It’s impressive that Liu Zhongyi is dedicating his life to fight crime, yet it’s concerning how prevalent these call center scams have become. Do you think he’s really making a difference, though?
He might be making a difference, but let’s not ignore that these scams will just pop up somewhere else, just like playing whack-a-mole.
True, but isn’t global cooperation the key here? Maybe it just needs more time and resources to effectively dismantle these networks.
I don’t know why they’re making a hero out of him. Governments just use these figures to mask their own inadequacies in crime control.
Liu’s story is inspiring, but isn’t it ironic how the countries need help from China to solve crimes happening along their borders? Shouldn’t they be capable on their own?
Maybe the problem is bigger than one nation can handle. These scams are transnational after all.
Yes, but it feels like dependency on outside help could be problematic in the future.
Hats off to Liu Zhongyi, but call center scams are backed by poverty and lack of opportunities in many regions. Until those change, isn’t this fight temporary?
That’s a good point. As much as Liu can achieve, eradicating crime requires addressing root socio-economic problems too.
Yeah, poverty fuels crime, but to say fighting scams is futile isn’t fair to Liu’s efforts.
I agree, but it’s just frustrating to see the same problems over and over.
Typical governmental glorification story. They highlight one ‘hero’ to distract us from the systemic failures elsewhere. Open your eyes, folks.
Is it wrong to celebrate someone genuinely doing good work? Not everything is a conspiracy, Larry.
I’m not denying his work, Ella, but just maintain a critical view on how these narratives are spun.
Liu seems like a modern-day hero, but it’s sad how many lives these scammers have impacted. We need more awareness on how not to fall prey to them.
Fighting scams is crucial, but why isn’t there more focus on prevention strategies and educating people from getting duped in the first place?
Education is key, but maybe it doesn’t have the same appeal as catching the ‘bad guys’.
I think Liu Zhongyi is an incredible role model for law enforcement officials worldwide. Anyone against his work seems like a cynic to me.
These scams are beyond a single person’s ability to fight effectively. Reform policies, smarter laws, and better technology are also needed.
What about the rights of those in Myanmar? Doesn’t China’s intervention raise some questions about sovereignty?
Ethically problematic, but so is doing nothing while scams run rampant. What’s the balance here?
Beyond scams, tackling transnational issues like these call centers requires diplomatic dexterity, which Liu also seems to handle well.
Regardless of the success or failure, Liu’s initiatives shine a spotlight on an important issue that many might ignore otherwise.
That’s true, but let’s hope the spotlight leads to lasting changes rather than temporary applause.
International crimefighters like Liu are crucial in our global landscape. Teamwork over territorial borders should be encouraged.
Everyone talks about international cooperation, but let’s not forget local enforcement often lacks resources and motivation.
If the ultimate goal is safety and justice, why are some people so skeptical of aligning with Liu’s strategies?
While Liu’s efforts are commendable, they still reflect China’s powerful influence in the region, which can be unsettling for some.
I wonder if focusing too much on ‘heroes’ like Liu negates the broader systemic issues. It’s more about team efforts than a single figure.
Liu Zhongyi’s story goes beyond crime-busting; it highlights the dedication of people in their fields and how they evolve.
An individual can only do so much in a flawed system. Let’s remember that change needs to come at all levels.
Can we talk about how these scams impact everyday people? It’s high time more victims’ voices are brought into these discussions.