Beijing’s global crackdown on cybercrime has scored a major victory. She Zhijiang, a Chinese-born businessman and one of Asia’s most wanted gambling kingpins, has finally been extradited from Thailand to China after a two-year legal battle.
She, 43, is accused of running a massive multi-billion-dollar online gambling and fraud network operating across Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, which trapped thousands of victims through sophisticated digital scams.
He was arrested in Bangkok in 2022 following an Interpol Red Corner Notice. Although She held a Cambodian passport, Chinese authorities had long sought his return. After prolonged legal proceedings, the Thai court approved his extradition, and on Wednesday, he was formally handed over to Chinese police.
A Vast Empire of Gambling and Fraud
She’s operations extended far beyond gambling. According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, he ran over 200 illegal online gambling platforms, facilitating illicit transactions worth billions of yuan.
One of his most controversial ventures was the “Shwe Kokko City Project” on the Myanmar border — officially presented as a “smart city” and tourism hub. However, investigations later revealed it was a front for illegal casinos, fake investment schemes, and online scam offices.
A United Nations report found that thousands of people had been trafficked into the region and forced to work in cyber-fraud compounds linked to She’s network.
Beijing’s Strong Response
The Chinese government hailed She’s capture as a “significant victory for national security.” The Ministry of Public Security said in an official statement:
“This case sends a strong message to those criminal networks operating beyond our borders — anyone targeting Chinese citizens through gambling and online fraud will be brought to justice.”
China has been conducting an aggressive campaign against cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud since 2020. Over the past five years, thousands of suspects have been repatriated from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
Joint Effort Between Thailand and China
According to Thai authorities, the extradition was prioritized at Beijing’s request. Thai Deputy Police Commissioner General Jiraphop Bhuridej said:
“This was a high-priority case for China. We followed due legal procedures and cooperated closely with their investigation teams.”
She’s lawyer, Sanya Eadjongdee, however, criticized the process as “irregular,” claiming that his client denied all allegations and would challenge the charges in court.
US Sanctions on She and Associates
In September 2025, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on nine companies and individuals linked to She Zhijiang. Washington accused them of involvement in human trafficking and large-scale cyber fraud operations across Southeast Asia.
Under Secretary John Hurley of the Treasury Department said in a statement:
“These criminal enterprises not only steal people’s life savings but also fuel human trafficking and violence. The US is committed to dismantling such networks.”
What Lies Ahead for She Zhijiang
Now in Chinese custody, She faces serious charges including illegal gambling operations, money laundering, and cross-border fraud. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence or life imprisonment.
Beijing has framed the case as a warning to other fugitives hiding abroad, asserting that “no border will protect criminals from justice.”
Conclusion
She Zhijiang’s extradition marks not just the fall of a powerful crime lord but also a major strike against Southeast Asia’s growing cybercrime underworld. The case exposes how “smart city” and “investment” projects were used as fronts for organized scams and human trafficking networks.
For China, this extradition underscores its determination to tighten control over digital financial crimes and signals a new era of international cooperation in tackling cross-border cyber fraud.
