‘Command-Level’ Scam Kingpin Arrested in Chon Buri
Thai immigration police have arrested a Chinese national described by authorities as a “command-level” international scam kingpin, bringing an end to what they say was a long-running effort to evade justice in major fraud cases worth hundreds of millions of baht.
The suspect, widely known as Jack Yang, is accused of masterminding online scam operations that caused losses exceeding 800 million baht. Authorities say he entered Thailand using a Dominican passport after changing both his name and nationality to avoid arrest.
Investigators from Immigration Division 3 said they received intelligence that a key figure linked to a transnational criminal organisation had been living in a housing estate in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, since late 2025. Further checks identified the man as Yang You, 41, a Chinese national classified as a Tier 1 scammer within an international crime syndicate.
Police said Yang’s name first surfaced prominently in 2022, when online scam networks rapidly expanded across the region. He was allegedly linked to large-scale fraud cases in China that caused widespread financial damage to victims.
Authorities said at least 320 suspects connected to Yang’s network have been arrested in related cases, with many identifying him as the syndicate’s principal organiser. The group is believed to have operated mainly out of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
According to investigators, the syndicate targeted victims by sending messages encouraging them to download fake online gambling applications. Victims were persuaded to deposit money and buy in-app coins, initially receiving small, withdrawable returns to gain trust. Once larger sums were invested, the apps were shut down and the funds disappeared.
Police estimate the scam affected more than 600 victims, with total losses nearing 900 million baht.
Because of his alleged role, Yang was placed on wanted lists maintained by Interpol and law enforcement agencies in several countries. Authorities said he managed to evade capture by Chinese, Philippine and international police for years.
After coordinating with foreign counterparts, Thai investigators compared facial recognition data and intelligence records and confirmed that the man they detained was the same individual known internationally as Jack Yang, who had entered Thailand posing as a Dominican tourist.
During questioning, the suspect denied being the person named in the international warrant. Despite this, authorities revoked his permission to remain in Thailand and took him into custody for further legal
