Chinese Man Wanted by Interpol Arrested in Chonburi Over Online Gambling Network
Chinese Man Wanted by Interpol Arrested in Chonburi Over Online Gambling Network
CHONBURI, Sept. 16, 2026 — Thai immigration police have arrested a 37-year-old Chinese national wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice, accusing him of playing a key role in a cross-border online gambling network with reported turnover exceeding 1.5 billion baht (US$47 million).
The suspect, identified by Thai authorities as Li Jianlu, was arrested on September 15 at a luxury residence in Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, under an operation dubbed “Sinsamut Subdues the Black Dragon.”
Thai authorities said Li was wanted by Chinese authorities under Article 303 of China’s Criminal Law, which covers organising or operating gambling activities and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
According to information associated with the INTERPOL Red Notice, Li allegedly belonged to a network that recruited Chinese nationals to use overseas online gambling websites between December 2021 and August 2022. Police said he was responsible for coordinating with offshore gambling platforms, managing betting accounts, handling gamblers’ funds and distributing commissions to members and agents.
More than 300 agents allegedly recruited
Investigators said the network recruited more than 300 lower-level agents, who allegedly brought more than 1,000 Chinese nationals into the online gambling system.
The network’s reported turnover exceeded 300 million yuan, equivalent to roughly 1.5 billion baht. Police allege that Li personally received about 3 million yuan from the operation.
Thai police said the network operated through overseas gambling platforms, including UG Global and OUBO, and that Li was considered a key member overseeing both its agent system and financial operations.
Red Notice led investigators to Chonburi
Chinese authorities reportedly approved an arrest warrant for Li through the Hebei District Prosecutor’s Office in Tianjin on April 30, 2024, after which an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued to help locate him.
Chonburi Immigration officers said they tracked Li’s movements and gathered information to confirm his identity before locating him at the residence in Nong Pla Lai.
Following the arrest, immigration authorities began proceedings to revoke his permission to remain in Thailand. He is being held pending further legal and deportation procedures before being returned to China to face the allegations there.
