BANGKOK, THAILAND – A Bangkok court approved the extradition of businessman She Zhijiang to China, concluding a protracted legal process over accusations of illegal online gambling and large-scale money laundering.
She Zhijiang, 41, founder of Yatai International Holdings Group, had been detained in Bangkok since 2022 under an Interpol Red Notice issued by China in 2012. The order now allows Beijing to assume custody within 90 days under the bilateral extradition agreement signed in 1993.
Background on the wanted tycoon
She Zhijiang, originally from China and a Cambodian passport holder since 2017, built a network of casino and real estate ventures stretching from Myanmar’s Myawaddy region to Cambodia’s Koh Kong Province. His portfolio included the Shwe Kokko Project in Myanmar and the Dara Sakor Resort in Cambodia. Both developments have drawn scrutiny for suspected links to human trafficking and forced labour.
“He is regarded as a key figure in cross-border gambling,”
said a source familiar with the case.
Investigators connected She’s operations to sprawling online gambling networks targeting Chinese citizens from across Southeast Asia.
Disputed business networks
Reporters investigating the Shwe Kokko complex near Myawaddy described the project as an enclave with casino operations that later expanded into online platforms.
“The facility is associated with human trafficking and forced labour,”
said investigative journalists who examined the site.
In Koh Kong, Cambodia’s gambling laws allow casinos for foreigners but prohibit online betting, raising further legal concerns about She’s operations.
Thailand’s constitutional review
She’s legal team lodged an appeal with the Thai Constitutional Court, arguing that the extradition law violated national protections. His lawyers also alleged misconduct during detention, reporting physical harm and isolation.
“He suffered injuries and was held in solitary confinement,”
said She’s defence attorneys.
Thai judicial authorities rejected the complaints. The Constitutional Court later ruled that the extradition framework complied with national law, clearing the final obstacle to She’s transfer.
Diplomatic tension over custody
While China initiated the formal extradition request, another complication arose during hearings.
“Cambodia has also submitted an extradition request,”
said a legal expert involved in the proceedings.
The overlapping claims placed Thai officials in a sensitive diplomatic position between two neighbouring governments.
Charges awaiting trial in China
The Chinese Ministry of Justice indicated that the businessman faces multiple indictments related to financial crimes.
“The charges include large-scale fraud and money laundering,”
said judicial sources connected to the investigation.
Chinese authorities describe She’s syndicate as central to the country’s regional crackdown on cross-border criminal enterprises, particularly those exploiting online gambling platforms from foreign jurisdictions.
- Interpol Red Notice issued: 2012
- Arrest in Bangkok: 2022
- Extradition to China expected within: 90 days
- Related nations: Thailand, China, Cambodia, Myanmar
- Main allegations: Illegal online gambling and money laundering
The extradition signals a judicial victory for Thailand’s law enforcement cooperation with China and a milestone in Beijing’s regional push to suppress transnational gambling networks.