BANGKOK — Thai immigration police arrested a Chinese national at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport on June 12, 2025, in connection with a large-scale cryptocurrency fraud worth over 200 million baht (approximately $6.15 million USD). The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Mr. Tianwei, was attempting to flee the country on a flight to Singapore when authorities intercepted him at the international departure terminal.
The arrest follows an investigation launched after two Chinese nationals filed a complaint through their attorney at the Mae Sai Police Station in Chiang Rai province. According to the complaint, the victims met with Mr. Tianwei on April 23 in the Mae Sai district to discuss a potential Bitcoin investment. Following the meeting, they transferred significant amounts of Bitcoin in two separate transactions to Tianwei’s digital wallet. However, the promised investment returns were never delivered.
Authorities swiftly pursued the case, and on May 16, the Chiang Rai Provincial Court issued an arrest warrant for Tianwei on charges of fraud. Intelligence later revealed the suspect’s intent to leave Thailand on Lion Air flight SL100 bound for Singapore. Immigration police at Don Mueang were alerted and placed surveillance at the terminal.
At approximately 6:00 a.m., officers identified and detained the suspect. He reportedly confirmed his identity and stated he had never previously been arrested in the matter. During the arrest, he communicated with officers in English. Sergeant Suwaphan Utsaha, commander of the Don Mueang Immigration checkpoint, was assigned as interpreter to formally inform the suspect of his rights and the legal charges against him.
Mr. Tianwei has since been transferred to Mae Sai Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. The case highlights the growing concern over cryptocurrency-related fraud in Thailand and the region, as digital assets continue to attract both legitimate investors and cybercriminals alike.
