A Chinese national wanted in connection with an alleged investment fraud scheme has been detained in Bangkok and is set to be returned to China for prosecution. Thai immigration investigators arrested Chen Zh, 28, after Chinese authorities requested assistance in locating him over allegations of illegally accepting public deposits through a pet investment business.
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The arrest was announced on 12 June by senior officials from Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, including Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Phanop Worathanatchakul, Commander of the Immigration Bureau Investigation Division. Authorities said Chen’s visa was revoked after it was confirmed he was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Hanyang District Public Security Bureau in Wuhan, Hubei Province, on 13 November 2024.
According to investigators, Chen allegedly persuaded members of the public to invest in a project linked to the sale of live pets through his business, Miao Dun Pet Life Store, located in Xinli Amber Garden, Hanyang District, Wuhan. Investors were reportedly promised returns of between 15% and 30% on their investments.
Authorities said the promised returns were never paid. More than 30 people were allegedly affected by the scheme before Chen reportedly shut down the business and fled to Thailand.
The Office of the Police Attache of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand subsequently sent a formal request to Thai police seeking assistance in tracing and detaining the suspect. Immigration officers then confirmed that Chen had entered Thailand legally and that his permission to remain in the country had not yet expired.
Following the visa revocation, investigators from Immigration Bureau Investigation Division 1 tracked Chen to a hotel in the Sutthiporn area of Prachasongkhro Road, Din Daeng district, Bangkok. Officers moved in and took him into custody without incident.
The case highlights ongoing cooperation between Thai and Chinese authorities in locating foreign fugitives who attempt to evade prosecution by travelling overseas. Thai immigration officials acted on the request after verifying the arrest warrant and Chen’s immigration status.
Matichon reported that Chen has been transferred to Immigration Bureau Investigation Division 3, where he is being held pending deportation proceedings. Thai authorities said he will be returned to China to face legal action related to the allegations.
Picture courtesy of Matichon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 13 June 2026