The Man Behind the Scams: A Crime Boss's Journey Back to China

She Zhijiang, a man with ties to China, Cambodia, and Myanmar, has been extradited to China after a prolonged legal battle. He is accused of orchestrating a vast criminal network that included online scams, illegal gambling, and other serious crimes. This empire operated out of Yatai New City in Myanmar, near the Thai border.

The Dark Side of Yatai New City

She Zhijiang is a major shareholder of Yatai New City, a place initially envisioned as a luxury resort for Chinese tourists. Instead, it became a hub for online fraud, casinos, drug trafficking, and prostitution. The US and UK have imposed sanctions on She and his company for their involvement in human trafficking. Authorities allege that Yatai lured people from around the world into the city, only to force them into online scamming operations.

The Global Scam Epidemic

Online scams are a rampant issue, particularly in Southeast Asia, costing billions of dollars worldwide. In the US alone, Americans have lost over $16.6 billion to such schemes. The UN estimates that hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in these scam centers, many of whom are Chinese nationals. China has intensified efforts to dismantle these operations, recently punishing members of Chinese "mafia" families and rescuing victims from scam centers.

A Long Legal Struggle

She Zhijiang was first wanted by Chinese authorities in 2021. He was arrested in Bangkok in 2022. After a lengthy legal battle, Thailand's Court of Appeals finally ordered his extradition to China. His lawyer claims that She denies the charges and was denied access to legal counsel before his transfer. There are concerns that She could face torture, forced disappearance, or execution in China.

A Diplomatic Turning Point

She's extradition comes just before the King of Thailand's planned visit to Beijing, a significant event highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations.