A Thai appeals court on Monday approved the extradition of She Zhijiang to China. She, described by Beijing as a key figure in transnational crime, is accused of running more than 200 illegal online gambling operations.
She Zhijiang Awaits Extradition to China
According to a statement from Thai prosecutors, She will be sent to China to stand trial for operating illegal casinos. Authorities allege that he founded and managed 239 gambling websites with a combined circulating capital exceeding 12.63 trillion baht ($385.65 billion). He is also accused of constructing and operating two casinos in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar, where he allegedly lured Chinese nationals into gambling through multiple online platforms.
The Chinese national is considered one of the most high-profile alleged cybercrime figures in Asia to be apprehended, although China has previously detained and even sentenced other major scam organizers to death. She was arrested in Bangkok in August 2022 under a 2014 warrant issued by Chinese authorities and is currently being held at Klong Prem Central Prison in the Thai capital.
Thailand Doubles Down on Illegal Gambling
Cybercrime has thrived across Southeast Asia, where law enforcement is often limited, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar. Casinos, in particular, have long served as hubs for illicit activities and gained further infamy as centers for online scams during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person gambling was restricted. She rose to prominence in the region through his development of the Yatai New City project in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar. The complex near the Thai border has since become notorious for cyber scams and human trafficking.
Following his arrest, a lengthy and complicated legal battle in Thailand’s courts began. She previously resisted his extradition to China, but those efforts now seem to be in vain. Despite that, She maintains his innocence, claiming that the charges in China are politically motivated and stem from alleged offenses dating back to 2011, according to his lawyer. The layer also said that the Appeals Court delivered its verdict on November 6 and informed She and his legal team of the decision on Monday.
The recent developments in She’s case might be linked to the several changes that authorities in Thailand have been making in regards to gambling. During a recent bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated his firm stance against gambling.