CHIANG RAI — Thai police have arrested nine Chinese nationals who were operating a sophisticated “hybrid scam” from Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand. The scammers allegedly targeted victims primarily in the United States and Canada.
According to Police Major General Thawatchai Pongwiwatchai, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, the suspects were using fake social media profiles with attractive photos to randomly select victims. They would then build rapport through conversations using AI tools including ChatGPT, eventually persuading victims to invest in cryptocurrency through foreign digital wallets.
Following an investigation, officers raided the group’s base in Ban Du subdistrict of Mueang district, Chiang Rai on February 28, 2025. Police seized significant evidence, including 14 computers, 81 mobile phones, and various internet connection devices.
Among those arrested were nine Chinese nationals with varying immigration statuses. Six of the suspects—Mr. Cao TaiQing (32), Mr. Tu Xing (29), Mr. Yi Xiu (30), Mr. Cheng Yue (20), Mr. Jrang Kai Hang (32), and Mr. Huang RangXin (26)—had illegally entered Thailand through natural border crossings from Laos, primarily near Chiang Saen, without proper documentation.
The remaining three suspects entered Thailand legally but under questionable circumstances. Mr. Duan Guang Shun (21) and Mr. Li Jiawei (22) both arrived by plane from Laos on February 12, 2025, using valid passports with student visas set to expire on August 20, 2025. Mr. Yang Lianwei (24) entered on February 7, 2025, flying directly from China with similar documentation. Authorities are investigating whether these student visas were obtained fraudulently as part of the operation.
A Thai national, Ms. Orthai Semue, 21, who is reportedly the wife of Mr. Cao TaiQing, was also present during the arrests.
Authorities found that most suspects had either entered Thailand illegally through natural border crossings or had entered on student visas but continued to stay after their documentation expired. The suspects are initially being charged with illegal entry and violations of Thailand’s foreign workers management decree while the investigation into the scam operation continues.
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