Crime Fugitive Extradited to China After 31 Years on the Run for Embezzlement

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

Authorities have extradited Zhou Jinghua, a Chinese national who fled to Thailand over three decades ago to escape prosecution for embezzlement of state assets in China. She was returned to Chinese custody on 18 July following a lengthy legal process.

 

Zhou, also known by the aliases Zhou Chanling and Jinghua, had been on the run for 31 years after allegedly abusing her official position in the People’s Republic of China to commit large-scale embezzlement. She evaded capture by assuming a false identity and even married a Thai man to further conceal her whereabouts.

 

In 2023, Chinese authorities formally requested her extradition through official channels, leading to her arrest and detention at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution in Thailand on 26 October 2023.

 

The Department of Corrections confirmed that on 15 July 2025, Thailand’s Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling ordering Zhou’s extradition. The verdict allowed a 90-day window for the transfer, which has now been executed in accordance with Thai law and international treaties.

 

Zhou had served one year and seven months in Thai custody before her transfer, after which she was handed over to representatives from the Office of the Attorney General and the Royal Thai Police. The extradition was carried out in compliance with Thailand’s 2008 Extradition Act and the 1993 bilateral treaty between Thailand and China.

 

The case, closely monitored by the Chinese government, highlights ongoing international cooperation on cross-border crime and fugitive apprehension. Corrections officials noted the importance of due process and strict adherence to legal protocols throughout the extradition procedure.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-24

 

 

 

[Artisi]

And meanwhile, there are many hundreds of Thai criminal running around Thailand free as birds without a care of ever being brought to justice, but of course being considered hi-so make you untouchable. 

[watchcat]

57 minutes ago, Artisi said:

And meanwhile, there are many hundreds of Thai criminal running around Thailand free as birds without a care of ever being brought to justice, but of course being considered hi-so make you untouchable. 

 

Aren't most of them Chineese  chriminals?