Thai Immigration Police Arrest Chinese Suspect Wanted in China Over Money-Laundering Links

Key summary

Immigration police in Thailand have detained a 37-year-old Chinese national identified only as Mr Wu at a luxury housing estate in Bangkok's Saphan Sung district on October 16. The arrest followed an investigation led by Immigration Bureau Division 3 under Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nopasilp Poolsawat, who ordered intensified efforts against foreign fugitives and transnational criminal networks. Mr Wu was wanted by Chinese authorities under an arrest warrant for alleged connections to a loan-sharking gang and a money-laundering operation involving more than 133 bank accounts and transactions exceeding 500 million yuan, equivalent to approximately 2 billion baht. Investigators stated he helped recruit individuals to open bank accounts and collected bank cards and account details for criminal groups. He was also accused of exchanging digital and foreign currencies for transnational criminals and arranging visas for people linked to other money-laundering cases. Police noted his movements were hard to track due to the use of false documents, changing vehicle registration plates, and altering car colors with wraps. Immigration checks revealed his permission to stay in Thailand had expired about three years and eight months prior to his arrest. He faces charges under Section 81 of Thailand's Immigration Act 1979 for remaining in the country after his visa expired. Authorities plan to transfer him for legal proceedings, initiate deportation, and coordinate with Chinese officials for his return. Commissioner Poolsawat directed units to accelerate investigations into mule accounts and money laundering, which cause significant harm to financial systems locally and overseas. The Immigration Bureau will continue screening foreign entrants and taking firm action against law violators to prevent Thailand from becoming a safe haven for fugitives. The public can report suspicious activities via the Immigration Bureau hotline at 1178, which operates 24/7.