Fugitive Chinese Kingpin Arrested in Bangkok After 15-Month Manhunt
BANGKOK — A major breakthrough in transnational crime came Wednesday night as Thai police arrested Ma Wufeng, a 41-year-old Chinese national wanted for human trafficking, running an illegal nightclub, and allegedly being involved in a $300 million call center scam in China.
Nicknamed “Ah Ma”, the fugitive was captured at a residence in Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, Din Daeng district, around 9 PM on May 28, following a joint operation led by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsorn. Ma had been on the run for over 15 months.
Human Trafficking and Border Smuggling
Ma is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Mae Sot Provincial Court on February 16, 2024, for providing shelter and assistance to illegal immigrants attempting to evade arrest. His name surfaced during a 2022 case in which a Thai taxi driver, Ekalak Paenoi, was caught transporting three Chinese nationals near the Myanmar border in Mae Sot.
Investigators discovered a coordinated smuggling operation involving multiple accomplices, including advance hotel bookings, paid transport, and financial records linking Ma to the funding of the entire mission.
Illegal Entertainment Business in Bangkok
Further intelligence in 2024 placed Ma as the co-owner of an unlicensed nightclub in Huai Khwang district, where a raid on November 5, 2024, uncovered 31 patrons and staff, along with narcotics and paraphernalia. Though Ma evaded arrest at the time, continued surveillance led police to his Din Daeng hideout.
$300 Million Wuhan Call Center Scam
Coordination with Chinese authorities revealed Ma’s role in a massive telecom fraud ring that operated out of Wuhan, China. The group allegedly swindled over 10 billion baht (approx. $300 million) from Chinese victims. Chinese police rank him among their most-wanted fugitives.
Ties to Political Assassination
Ma’s name also came up in a high-profile murder case. He is reportedly close to Ekalak Paenoi, a former Thai naval officer-turned-taxi driver, who became a suspect in the assassination of Cambodian ex-MP Lim Kimya, gunned down in Bangkok on January 7, 2024, near Wat Bowonniwet.
Next Steps
Police say Ma has refused to speak to investigators so far. He is scheduled for transfer to Mae Sot Police Station on May 29, where he will face multiple charges stemming from the 2022 human smuggling operation. Further coordination with Chinese authorities may lead to additional extradition or prosecution proceedings.
The arrest underscores the growing nexus between organized crime, immigration fraud, and regional political violence — and Thailand’s efforts to crack down on such networks.
