In a significant development, Thai authorities have apprehended Pei Min Si, a suspected crime boss linked to a vast online gambling network. His arrest follows a series of investigations into illegal iGaming operations across Southeast Asia, highlighting the ongoing battle against cybercrime and illegal gambling activities in the region.
Thai police, alongside cybercrime investigators, have apprehended Pei Min Si, a prominent figure in the world of online gambling. His arrest occurred during a dawn raid on April 9 at his hideout in Pattaya, following a request from the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok.
Pei Min Si is regarded as a central player in Myanmar's underground iGaming scene. The Shwe Kokko network, with which he is associated, reportedly operates an extensive array of platforms, boasting over 239 channels and more than 330,000 active members across 31 provinces in China. It's important to note that online gambling is strictly prohibited in China, with land-based gaming restricted to Macau.
Pei has been evading capture since May 2024, when he fled to Laos using a Chinese passport. He made a return to Thailand in August 2025, leveraging a “golden passport” from St Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation known for its citizenship-by-investment program. This program has faced criticism for its lenient passport issuance, which sometimes allows applicants to bypass in-person interviews. The financial barriers are significant, requiring a minimum contribution of $250,000 or an investment of at least $325,000 in approved developments. Clearly, Pei was undeterred by the costs. Authorities estimate that his illegal gambling operations have amassed THB13.18 billion (approximately US$409.8 million) since 2016, with profits nearing THB2.4 billion.
Myanmar has publicly committed to cracking down on illegal iGaming and online fraud, particularly in Shwe Kokko, located near the Thai border. Recent police operations in this so-called “scam capital” resulted in the seizure and destruction of 3,300 computers and nearly 22,000 mobile phones used for accepting online bets. However, some critics, including reports from various media outlets, have labeled these efforts as mere performative actions by the Myanmar government to appease Beijing.
China maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards such illicit operations, which frequently intertwine with other serious criminal activities, including kidnapping, forced labor, and drug trafficking. In a notable crackdown earlier this year, the Chinese government executed 11 members of the Ming family, a notorious group involved in telecom fraud, drug trade, and murder.
A documentary that scrutinizes Myanmar’s infamous “Four Families” criminal syndicate, which also encompasses the Bai, Liu, and Wei organizations, featured an investigator stating that China is determined to pursue these gangs. The message is clear: anyone committing egregious crimes against the Chinese populace will face severe consequences.
Marjorie has been immersed in the gaming industry since 2007, with a particular focus on Asian markets since 2020. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys writing about travel and film, and she has a passion for playing the drums.
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