Major Extradition in Cross-Border Cybercrime Case
In a significant development in the fight against transnational cybercrime, Thailand has extradited a Chinese national wanted for operating more than 200 illegal online gambling platforms that targeted Chinese citizens. The suspect, She Zhijiang, was flown to Nanjing on Wednesday following approval from a Thai appeals court.
The Criminal Empire Unraveled
She Zhijiang, believed to be 43 years old, had been on the run for years before his arrest in Bangkok. According to Chinese authorities, his illegal gambling operations involved an astonishing 330,000 participants since 2017, with total transactions exceeding 2.7 billion yuan. The scale of his criminal network extended far beyond gambling, with evidence suggesting he harbored 248 online fraud groups specifically targeting Chinese nationals.
Police Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, chief of Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau, confirmed the cooperation between the two nations. "Chinese authorities made a request for the suspect, who's their top priority, and asked Thailand for cooperation, which we have supported," he stated, adding that China has promised to enhance joint efforts with Thailand to combat scam centers.
Southeast Asian Criminal Network
She Zhijiang's criminal activities spanned multiple Southeast Asian countries, where he had established a sophisticated network. He gained particular notoriety after developing a complex in Myanmar's Shwe Kokko city, near the Thai border, which has become infamous for online scam operations and human trafficking cases.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime highlighted in its 2024 report that She maintained "a robust business and investment portfolio across Southeast Asia" with interests in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines. His investments spanned various sectors including:
- Real estate and construction
- Entertainment industry
- Blockchain technology
Despite obtaining Cambodian citizenship in 2017, She's criminal activities attracted international attention, leading to sanctions from both the U.S. and British governments.
Global Crackdown on Cybercrime
The case highlights the growing problem of cybercrime in Southeast Asia, where weak law enforcement in countries like Cambodia and Myanmar has allowed criminal enterprises to flourish. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, as casinos transformed into centers for online criminal activities when in-person gambling declined.
In a related development, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against leaders of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army for supporting scam centers in Myanmar. This ethnic militia group operates near Myawaddy, the same area where She conducted his operations.
Meanwhile, representatives from She's company, Yatai New City (also known as Asia-Pacific New City), defended his actions in a previous statement, claiming that "while Mr. She Zhijiang was involved in the gambling industry, these activities were conducted under a legally obtained license in their operating jurisdiction." They maintained that his role was "strictly that of a developer."
The extradition marks a significant victory for international law enforcement cooperation and signals stronger measures against the sprawling cybercrime industry that has victimized thousands across the region.
