Thai Court Approves Extradition of She Zhijiang to China

A Thai appeals court has approved the extradition of She Zhijiang, a Chinese-born businessman accused of operating one of Southeast Asia's largest scam compounds, to China, where he arrived on Wednesday to face charges of money laundering and illegal gambling. The 43-year-old, who also holds Cambodian citizenship, was transferred from a prison in Bangkok after more than two years in detention.

She was arrested in the Thai capital in August 2022 at the request of Chinese authorities, who issued an arrest warrant in 2021 for his alleged role in establishing over 200 illegal online gambling websites and networks linked to casinos in Myanmar. Thai police, including Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej of the Central Investigation Bureau, confirmed the extradition followed China's priority request and highlighted commitments for enhanced bilateral cooperation against scam centers. The appeals court ruling on Monday upheld the order, rejecting She’s challenge to Thailand's extradition law as unconstitutional, and mandated his transfer within 90 days.

U.S. and British authorities have sanctioned She and his company, Yatai New City, for transforming Shwe Kokko—a town in Myanmar near the Thai...