Chinese fugitive arrested in Thailand over alleged 2bn-baht money-laundering network

Thai immigration police have arrested a 37-year-old Chinese man wanted by authorities in China over alleged links to a transnational criminal network, including a money-laundering operation involving more than 133 bank accounts and transactions worth over 500 million yuan, equivalent to about 2 billion baht.

The suspect, identified only as Mr Wu, was detained at a luxury housing estate in Bangkok’s Saphan Sung district on October 16 after allegedly evading immigration officers for more than three years.

The operation was carried out by investigators from Immigration Bureau Division 3 under orders from Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nopasilp Poolsawat, who has instructed officers to intensify efforts against foreign fugitives and transnational criminal networks.

Suspected role in money-laundering network

Investigators said Wu was wanted under a Chinese arrest warrant in connection with offences involving a loan-sharking gang. He was also suspected of supporting a transnational criminal organisation by helping recruit people to open bank accounts and collecting bank cards and account details for use by money-laundering groups.

Police said the network was linked to more than 133 accounts, with transactions exceeding 500 million yuan.

Wu was also allegedly involved in exchanging digital currencies and foreign currencies for transnational criminal groups and arranging visas for individuals connected with other suspected money-laundering cases.

Authorities said his movements had been difficult to trace because he allegedly used false documents to report his accommodation, changed vehicle registration plates and altered the colour of his car by applying a new wrap.

After gathering intelligence and identifying a suspected hiding place at a luxury property in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Saphan Sung, investigators moved in and detained the suspect.

Overstaying visa by more than three years

Immigration checks found that Wu’s permission to remain in Thailand had expired approximately three years and eight months earlier.

He was charged with remaining in the Kingdom after his permission to stay had expired, an offence under Section 81 of Thailand’s Immigration Act 1979.

Police subsequently transferred him to investigators for legal proceedings. Authorities said they would begin deportation procedures and coordinate with Chinese officials to arrange his return to face the outstanding arrest warrant.

Immigration Bureau steps up crackdown

Pol Lt Gen Nopasilp has instructed immigration units to accelerate investigations into transnational criminal networks, particularly those involving mule accounts and money laundering, which authorities say cause substantial damage to individuals and financial systems in Thailand and overseas.

The Immigration Bureau said it would continue screening foreign nationals entering the country and taking firm action against those who violate Thai law, with the aim of preventing Thailand from becoming a refuge for fugitives.

Members of the public who have information about suspicious individuals or activities can contact the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178, which operates around the clock.