After a three-year legal battle, a Thai court has definitively ruled to extradite a man accused of being a major figure in China’s illicit online gambling world. The case centers on She Zhijiang, a 43-year-old who also possesses a Cambodian passport, and has been the subject of an international manhunt.
Zhijiang was initially arrested in Thailand in August 2022, acting on an Interpol red notice requested by Beijing. Chinese authorities accuse him of masterminding vast, illegal online gambling operations that siphoned funds from citizens and destabilized financial controls.
The initial extradition order came in May 2024, but was immediately challenged by Zhijiang’s legal team, who argued procedural violations. However, Thailand’s Constitutional Court swiftly affirmed the legality of the extradition, paving the way for his return to face charges in China.
For years, Zhijiang evaded capture, beginning in 2012 when he fled Chinese authorities. A Chinese court in Shandong province convicted him in 2014 for running an illegal online lottery from the Philippines, a scheme that reportedly generated $298 million in illicit profits.
He then relocated to Cambodia in 2015, allegedly facilitating illegal betting activities within Cambodian casinos, specifically helping Chinese gamblers circumvent financial restrictions. This operation expanded to the Philippines, culminating in the purchase of a large spa and entertainment complex in Manila.
Zhijiang cleverly acquired Cambodian citizenship in 2017, changing his name to Tang Kriang Kai through a substantial donation to the Cambodian government – a process available to those who contribute at least $250,000. This provided a layer of protection, but ultimately proved insufficient.
Between 2018 and 2021, authorities allege Zhijiang orchestrated the creation of numerous gambling companies and recruited approximately 330,000 gamblers, amassing over $22 million through deceptive schemes. The scale of the operation is staggering.
The Thai Appeal Court reached its final decision on November 6, 2025, informing Zhijiang of the impending extradition. Prosecutors confirmed he will be tried in China for allegedly operating a network of 239 illegal gambling websites and running two casinos in Myanmar.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Zhijiang maintains his innocence, claiming the charges are politically motivated and stem from alleged offenses dating back to 2011. His lawyer insists the case is a fabrication designed to target him.
Thai authorities now have 90 days to finalize the extradition process and return Zhijiang to China. The long and complex pursuit of this alleged gambling kingpin is nearing its conclusion, promising a high-profile trial and potential repercussions for others involved in the illicit network.
