Immigration Bureau Division 3 officers have arrested alleged Chinese financial crime figure Mr. Chen Tao at a condominium in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng area as part of a major crackdown on transnational crime. Chinese authorities accuse him of concealing and disguising assets obtained through criminal activity linked to the Lanzhou Bank fraud case, with reported losses of around 3.222 billion yuan.
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The operation followed orders from Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, who directed officers to intensify inspections of target areas nationwide to prevent Thailand being used as a refuge for international criminals. The campaign, described as “toppling the money-laundering giant”, was led by Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 3, alongside senior officers Pol Col Decho Sosuwannakul, Pol Col Chinawut Tangwonglert and Pol Col Suthipong Phutthiphong.
Investigators under Pol Col Suriya Puangsombat traced Mr. Chen Tao after authorities from the People’s Republic of China requested assistance in locating and arresting him. The suspect was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Lanzhou Public Security Bureau for allegedly helping to hide and transfer illicit assets connected to a large-scale banking fraud involving Lanzhou Bank.
According to investigators, Mr. Chen Tao entered Thailand on 11 November 2025 using a PE visa. Officers said he repeatedly changed and concealed his real place of residence by registering multiple addresses to avoid detection.
Immigration investigators led by Pol Lt Col Ratthakrai Prayoonsorn and Pol Lt Col Derinew Mingmuang eventually located and arrested him on 8 May 2026 at a condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok. Authorities then revoked his permission to remain in Thailand, stating that he now qualified as a prohibited foreign national whose behaviour posed a threat to society under immigration law.
Police said the suspect had arranged for another person to rent the condominium unit in an attempt to conceal his identity. During the arrest, officers also discovered a second passport belonging to Mr. Chen Tao from Vanuatu, passport number RV0202458, which investigators believe may have been used to disguise his identity after Chinese authorities had already cancelled his Chinese passport.
Thaitabloid reported that authorities described Mr. Chen Tao as a core member and operational leader directing activities both inside and outside China. The Immigration Bureau said it would continue pursuing transnational criminal networks and would not allow Thailand to become a hiding place for international offenders.
Picture courtesy of thaitabloid
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 10 May 2026