Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Immigration authorities have arrested a 41-year-old Chinese fugitive accused of running a multi-million-dollar investment scam involving a fictitious durian farming enterprise in eastern Thailand.

 

The suspect, identified only as Mr Long, was detained on 11 August at a petrol station in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province, following a coordinated cross-province manhunt by the Immigration Division 3 Investigation Unit. He was wanted under an arrest warrant issued by authorities in Guangzhou, China.

 

Investigators say Mr Long persuaded Chinese investors to pour large sums into what he claimed was a lucrative durian farming operation in Chanthaburi province and other eastern areas. After securing significant investments, he allegedly vanished with the funds and fled China.

 

Chinese authorities subsequently issued an international arrest warrant and asked Thailand to revoke his legal right to stay in the kingdom, providing detailed intelligence to assist in his capture.

 

Following the tip-off, immigration officers monitored Mr Long’s movements from Pattaya, through Bangkok and eventually to northern Thailand. Officers cornered him in Mae Rim, preventing any chance of escape.

 

His visa was immediately revoked and he was transferred to the Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok, where he awaits deportation via formal legal channels.

 

Pol Maj Gen Chairit said the arrest formed part of a broader policy by the Royal Thai Police and Immigration Bureau to combat transnational crime.

 

“This operation demonstrates our commitment to public order, national security, and international cooperation,” he stated.

 

The case underscores concerns over fraudulent agricultural investment schemes targeting overseas Chinese communities, particularly those exploiting Thailand’s status as a major durian exporter. The fruit commands exceptionally high prices in Chinese markets, making it a frequent lure for scammers.

 

Authorities say they will continue working with foreign law enforcement to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in similar cross-border financial crimes.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-08-13

 

 

 

Modern policework armed with… unlimited data: the only thing visibly drawn at this arrest are smartphones. 📱