Chinese “Boss Tuan” Arrested Over $128m Crypto Scam

Thai immigration police have arrested a Chinese national known as “Boss Tuan”, accused of masterminding a fake cryptocurrency platform that allegedly defrauded more than 20,000 victims of US$128. The suspect, Tuan Jianlei, was detained at an up market housing estate in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan province, after which authorities revoked his permission to stay. He is being held pending deportation to face fraud charges in the People’s Republic of China.

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The arrest followed an operation by investigators under Immigration Division 3 after receiving orders from Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, Deputy Commissioner, to intensify a crackdown on transnational criminals using Thailand as a hideout. Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, instructed Pol Col Suriya Phuangsombat to lead the operation, supported by Pol Lt Col Pitipat Srithana-apinan and Pol Lt Col Jaturachok Phetkong.

Tuan Jianlei became widely known in China in 2024 as the alleged operator behind a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platform called BHE Exchange. He is accused of issuing a fake digital coin named DDO, promising annual returns of 6% and claiming assets would increase twentyfold within ten years. Authorities said he fabricated growth charts showing continuously rising prices to lure investors before shutting down the application and fleeing overseas with the funds.

Chinese authorities later approved an arrest warrant on fraud charges. Investigators believe Tuan entered Thailand in 2024 and moved between multiple locations to avoid detection, exercising extreme caution. Immigration police tracked his movements for a month before confirming he was hiding in an estate in Bang Phli.

Following his arrest, officers formally revoked his temporary permission to stay in the Kingdom under immigration law, citing his status as a prohibited person. He has been transferred to the relevant immigration investigation unit for detention while awaiting deportation to China for legal proceedings.

Thaitabloid reported that the Immigration Bureau said the case forms part of broader efforts to prevent Thailand being used as a refuge for international fugitives. Further coordination with Chinese authorities is expected as extradition procedures move forward.

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

Key Takeaways

• Chinese national Tuan Jianlei was arrested in Samut Prakan over an alleged US$128 million crypto fraud.

• He is accused of operating BHE Exchange and issuing the fake DDO coin, affecting over 20,000 victims.

• His permission to stay has been revoked and he is awaiting deportation to China to face fraud charges.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 20 Feb 2026

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