SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – An alleged mastermind behind a large-scale cryptocurrency fraud was arrested in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok after weeks of surveillance.
Arrest in luxury condominium
The Chinese national Tuan Jianlei, also known as “Boss Tuan”, was detained in a luxury residential complex in Bang Phli district. According to police, investigators had monitored his movements for about a month before making the arrest.
Allegations over fake crypto exchange
Thai immigration authorities said Tuan was wanted in China for allegedly setting up the digital trading platform BHE Exchange in 2024. Investigators stated the platform issued a bogus cryptocurrency and lured investors with promises of high returns.
20,000 investors and massive losses
Chinese authorities estimated that around 20,000 investors were drawn to the platform before it was shut down. The total damage was put at about 128 million US dollars, equivalent to roughly 4 billion baht.
Flight to Thailand and police tracking
According to Thai police, Tuan later entered Thailand in 2024 and frequently changed his residence to avoid arrest. Immigration officers eventually located him through surveillance measures and targeted information-sharing with Chinese investigators.
Visa revoked and planned deportation
Thai authorities revoked Tuan’s visa, and he was being held in custody pending deportation to China, where he faced fraud charges.
“The arrest highlights the ongoing cooperation between Thai and Chinese security agencies in combating cross-border cybercrime and investment fraud.”
said police officials, according to the report.