Chinese businessman arrested in Thailand over allegedly forged identity card

Thai anti-corruption police recently worked with national anti-corruption authorities, public prosecutors and the Department of Special Investigation in an operation called “Cut the Fog Wiang Haeng” in Chiang Mai’s Wiang Haeng district. They arrested a Chinese businessman suspected of using a forged Thai identity card. He was accused of using an unlawful identity for long-term investment activities and purchases of high-end homes. Investigators alleged that the 44-year-old suspect paid about RMB320,000 for the identity card to obtain residence, run a factory and make business investments. Police said the case might involve local administrative officials, including district and village personnel, suspected of illegally arranging identity documents and procedures for large fees. Police arrested the suspect in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district on November 21 and found discrepancies between the card’s registration details and his passport. He reportedly said he had paid about RMB300,000 for the documents on another person’s advice to conduct business locally, but denied criminal intent. Authorities said the case pointed to a possible corruption chain in local administration. Investigators would continue tracing officials and financial networks allegedly involved in the forged documents to curb illicit identity transactions and underground money flows. Compiled by this station