Chinese Man Arrested in Chiang Mai Over 238 Million Baht Scam Money Trail
Chinese Man Arrested in Chiang Mai Over 238 Million Baht Scam Money Trail
CHIANG MAI, 18 September 2026 — Thai police have arrested a Chinese national in Chiang Mai over an alleged cryptocurrency money-laundering network involving more than 238 million baht (US$7.2 million) and at least 16 online fraud cases.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Highway Police and Anti-Online Scam Centre announced the arrest of Wei Huang, also known as “Ah Wei,” on September 16 as part of the Highway Scam Hunter EP.4 operation.
Police allege that Wei supplied USDT cryptocurrency to a money-laundering network linked to another Chinese suspect known as “Ah Tao.” Investigators said money allegedly taken from scam victims was moved through multiple mule accounts before being used to obtain digital currency.
According to investigators, cryptocurrency wallets linked to Wei recorded transactions exceeding 7.2 million USDT, equivalent to more than 238 million baht. The transactions were allegedly connected to at least 16 online fraud cases.
Police said the investigation began after a retired civil servant was allegedly defrauded of more than 1.4 million baht. Following the initial case, investigators uncovered what they described as a broader network involving call-centre operators and a separate money-laundering structure.
Thai authorities allege that funds were moved through several channels, including cash withdrawals, gold purchases and mule accounts in Poipet, Cambodia, before being converted into USDT and transferred through the wider network.
During the operation, officers froze approximately 1.048 million baht in a bank account and seized 181,000 baht in cash, a Ford Ranger Raptor pickup truck and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch.
The seized assets have been referred to Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office for further investigation and possible asset recovery.
Wei faces charges of joint money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to police.
The wider Highway Scam Hunter investigation has so far resulted in legal action against 26 suspects, with authorities estimating total alleged losses linked to the network at more than 4 billion baht. Previous phases of the investigation have also identified Chinese suspects and a Cambodian police officer allegedly connected to the network.
The allegations against Wei remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
