Chinese CEO Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Over Plastic Waste Fraud

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Authorities arrested a 40-year-old Chinese woman at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly using forged import permits to bring plastic waste into Thailand. The suspect, CEO of a plastics manufacturing company, was detained while attempting to leave the country. Investigators are pursuing legal action for violations of customs regulations and environmental laws.

The arrest took place on 22 October at the airport’s departure hall, overseen by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD) in coordination with immigration officers. The suspect, Ms Wu Yufen, was wanted under Pattaya Provincial Court warrant 542/2568 issued on 4 September, for “importing goods through customs by circumventing legal restrictions.” Authorities had been tracking her movements in anticipation of her attempted flight abroad.

Ms Wu is reported to have been listed as a director of a company importing plastic scrap using 19 separate customs declarations. Investigations revealed that three of these declarations bore licences from another company and some shipments were imported before official authorisation, raising environmental concerns including air pollution. Customs officials referred the case to the ECSD, which gathered evidence and secured the arrest warrant.

During questioning, Ms Wu denied involvement, claiming she only handled shipping operations and was unaware of her appointment as company director. She further alleged that signatures on corporate documents were forged, suggesting that someone else may have used her name to commit the offences. Police are continuing investigations and have forwarded the suspect to the ECSD for legal proceedings.

Experts note that cases involving forged import permits can have serious environmental and legal consequences and authorities emphasise the importance of thorough verification of company documentation. The case highlights ongoing challenges in regulating imports of plastic waste in Thailand.

Key Takeaways

• A 40-year-old Chinese CEO was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for alleged forged plastic waste import permits.

• Customs officials identified irregularities in 19 import declarations, raising environmental and legal concerns.

• The suspect denies involvement and claims her signature was forged; investigations are ongoing.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-10-23