In a significant move against transnational crime, Thailand has extradited a Chinese national wanted for operating a vast network of illegal online gambling sites back to China.
Key Details of the Extradition
The extradition took place on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, following a ruling by a Thai appeals court on Monday. The court approved the transfer of She Zhijiang, a man believed to be 43 years old, more than three years after his initial arrest in Bangkok.
Police Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, chief of Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau, confirmed the action. "Chinese authorities made a request for the suspect, who’s their top priority, and asked Thailand for cooperation, which we have supported," he stated. He added that China promised to elevate joint efforts with Thailand to crack down on scam centres.
The Suspect's Criminal Empire
She Zhijiang, who also obtained Cambodian citizenship in 2017, was wanted on a 2014 warrant from Chinese police. He is suspected of running over 200 illegal online gambling operations.
His criminal influence extended across Southeast Asia, where he became prominent after developing a complex in Myanmar’s Shwe Kokko city, near the Thai border. This area is now notorious for online scam activities and human trafficking.
His alleged crimes drew international condemnation, leading to sanctions from both the U.S. and British governments. A 2024 report by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime detailed his extensive business portfolio, which spanned real estate, construction, entertainment, and blockchain technology across Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The Wider Context of Cybercrime in Southeast Asia
The case highlights how cybercrime has flourished in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions like Cambodia and Myanmar where law enforcement is often weak. The problem was exacerbated after the COVID-19 pandemic, which hampered in-person gambling, leading criminals to use casinos as hubs for online criminal activities, including scams.
In response to the court's decision, a spokesperson for She's company, Yatai New City (also known as Asia-Pacific New City), issued a statement. They claimed that while She was involved in the gambling industry, "these activities were conducted under a legally obtained license in their operating jurisdiction" and that his role was "strictly that of a developer."
This extradition marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing international effort to dismantle sophisticated cybercrime networks operating with impunity in the region.
