Thailand deports 10 Chinese linked to kidnapping of actor Wang Xing

Thailand has deported 10 Chinese nationals linked to the alleged kidnapping of actor Wang Xing, who was rescued from a cyber-fraud center in Myanmar, according to Thai police.

Wang Xing, also known as Xing Xing, traveled to Thailand believing he had secured a role in a Thai film production. However, he was reported missing near the Thai-Myanmar border and was later found in Myanmar, where he had been held in a scam compound.

Cyber-fraud centers have proliferated in Myanmar’s border regions, employing trafficked foreign workers who are forced to defraud victims in a billion-dollar criminal industry.

The 10 suspects were identified as part of a scam ring operating in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and were accused of defrauding Chinese citizens, including Wang.

On Friday evening, Thai police deported them via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, escorted by immigration officers. They were handed over to Chinese authorities for prosecution.

The suspects played various roles in the cyber-fraud operation, including managers, security guards, and call center operators who deceived victims. After Wang’s rescue in January, the gang fled Myanmar to Cambodia before being arrested in Thailand.

Thai police have vowed to intensify asset investigations and collaborate with the country’s anti-money laundering agency to combat call center scams.