Thailand Deports 10 Chinese Nationals Linked to Actor’s Kidnapping
Background: Cyber-Fraud Operations in Myanmar
Scam compounds have been growing in Myanmar’s borderlands, staffed by foreigners who are often trafficked and forced to work, swindling their compatriots in an industry analysts say is worth billions of dollars. These centers have been linked to various countries, including China, where a high-profile case involving a Chinese actor has raised concerns over cyber-fraud operations.
Actor’s Kidnapping and Rescue
Chinese actor Wang Xing was rescued from a scam center in Myanmar in January. He was lured to Thailand on the promise of an audition, only to be whisked off and smuggled across the border. Following his rescue, the gang fled Myanmar to relocate to Cambodia before being arrested in Thailand.
Thai Police Deport 10 Chinese Nationals
Thai police have deported 10 Chinese nationals linked to the alleged kidnapping of actor Wang Xing. The suspects were part of a gang operating in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and were allegedly involved in defrauding Chinese citizens, including actor Wang Xing, according to a police statement.
Deportation and Prosecution
The 10 suspects were flown out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport with Thai immigration police escorting them. They were deported "for Chinese police to prosecute them," Thai police said yesterday. The group had been deported back to China the previous evening.
Police Pledge to Combat Call Centre Scams
Thai police have pledged to ramp up investigations into assets and cooperate with the country’s anti-money laundering agency to combat call centre scams. The 10 suspects "took part in various roles in the scam," including managers, security guards, and call centre operators who tricked victims, said Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, a senior police official leading efforts against human trafficking.
Conclusion
The deportation of the 10 Chinese nationals is a significant step in combating cyber-fraud operations in the region. It is crucial for authorities to continue working together to prevent these scams and protect victims from falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
FAQs
- Who were the 10 Chinese nationals deported by Thai police?
The 10 Chinese nationals were part of a gang operating in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and were allegedly involved in defrauding Chinese citizens, including actor Wang Xing. - What was the actor’s story?
Actor Wang Xing was lured to Thailand on the promise of an audition, only to be whisked off and smuggled across the border. - What is the scale of the cyber-fraud industry?
Analysts say the industry is worth billions of dollars, with foreigners often trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Myanmar’s borderlands. - What is the Thai police’s plan to combat call centre scams?
Thai police have pledged to ramp up investigations into assets and cooperate with the country’s anti-money laundering agency to combat call centre scams.