Chinese ex-bank manager wanted for bank embezzlement arrested in Thailand

A Chinese ex-bank manager wanted for alleged embezzlement in his home country has been arrested after hiding more than seven years in Thailand.

Yang, 41, allegedly used his position as general manager of a bank in Siping, in the northeastern Chinese province of Jilin, to siphon money into his personal account.

He was said to have transferred 5.5 million yuan over 12 transactions between 2018 and 2019 before fleeing to Thailand to avoid arrest.

Thai authorities launched a manhunt following a request from Chinese officials to track down the alleged fugitive, who remains wanted on a warrant for alleged embezzlement.

Police found that Yang had entered Thailand on July 15, 2019, just as the warrant was issued, and was given permission to stay until July 29 that year.

But he reportedly remained in Thailand for another 2,642 days, overstaying his visa by more than seven years.

Immigration officers traced him to a condominium in seaside town Pattaya, where he was arrested on Wednesday afternoon.

Police Lieutenant General Noppasin Poolsawat, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said the Chinese suspect was charged locally with entering and staying in the country with an expired permit.

He added: 'He was taken into custody and handed over to Pattaya City Police Station, where he will face legal proceedings and the necessary procedures relating to the arrest warrant issued by Chinese authorities.

'This is another significant operation by the Immigration Bureau to track down foreign offenders who have fled to Thailand, particularly those wanted under international arrest warrants.

'Our officers will continue to verify information and track down these individuals. We will take action against anyone found to be wanted, so that Thailand does not become a safe haven for foreign criminals and people can feel safe.'