Chinese AI Deepfake Crypto Thief Arrested in Thailand

Thairath•Society•12d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai authorities arrested a Chinese national wanted for using AI Deepfake technology to steal over 162 million baht in cryptocurrency.

•Mr. Xin Zhang, a 30-year-old Chinese national, was arrested in Pattaya, Chonburi.
•Mr. Xin Zhang is accused of developing AI Face Swap software to steal 4.707 million USDT from an OKX account.
•The total estimated loss is approximately 162 million baht.
•Mr. Xin Zhang entered Thailand on a tourist visa in July 2024.

•Mr. Xin Zhang developed AI Face Swap technology and worked with at least three accomplices to hack OKX account data and phone numbers.
•Mr. Xin Zhang used deepfake technology and custom camera software to impersonate a victim to request a new SIM card and intercept OTP codes.
•The theft involved approximately 4.707 million USDT, valued at around 33 million yuan or 162 million baht.
•The Ministry of Public Security of Guangdong Province issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Xin Zhang in 2025.
•Mr. Xin Zhang traveled to Thailand on a tourist visa in July 2024 and hid in Pattaya, Chonburi.
•Police from Immigration Bureau Division 3 arrested Mr. Xin Zhang on September 8.
•Mr. Xin Zhang is being processed for overstaying a visa before being handed over to Mueang Pattaya Police Station.
•Authorities are coordinating with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand for deportation.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Mr. Xin Zhang(MR. XIN ZHANG)

A 30-year-old Chinese national and primary architect of AI Face Swap technology used to steal cryptocurrency.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyaluck(พล.ต.ท.ภาณุมาศ บุญญลักษม์)

Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nutchanart(พล.ต.ต.พันธนะ นุชนารถ)

Deputy Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprot Sirisukha(พล.ต.ต.ทรงโปรด สิริสุขะ)

Commander of Immigration Bureau 3.

Pol. Col. Suriya Puangsombat(พ.ต.อ.สุริยะ พ่วงสมบัติ)

Superintendent of the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau 3.

Pol. Lt. Col. Itithorn Prasertsak(พ.ต.ท.อิธิธร ประเสริฐศักดิ์)

Deputy Superintendent of the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau 3.

Pol. Lt. Col. Thongthai Phairoh(พ.ต.ท.ธงไทย ไพเราะ)

Inspector of the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau 3.

Pol. Col. Parinya Klinkesorn(พ.ต.อ.ปริญญา กลิ่นเกษร)

Deputy Commander of Immigration Bureau 3.

Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau 3(กก.สส.บก.ตม.3)

The police unit responsible for the arrest of Mr. Xin Zhang.

Ministry of Public Security of Guangdong Province(กระทรวงความมั่นคงสาธารณะ มณฑลกวางตุ้ง)

The Chinese authority that issued the arrest warrant for Mr. Xin Zhang in 2025.

A cryptocurrency trading platform from which funds were stolen.

Mueang Pattaya Police Station(สภ.เมืองพัทยา)

The police station where Mr. Xin Zhang was sent for legal proceedings.

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand(สถานเอกอัครราชทูตสาธารณรัฐประชาชนจีนประจำประเทศไทย)

The diplomatic mission coordinating the deportation of Mr. Xin Zhang.

Pattaya(พัทยา)ℹ️

The location in Chonburi province where Mr. Xin Zhang was hiding and arrested.

Chonburi Province(จ.ชลบุรี)ℹ️

The province where Mr. Xin Zhang was arrested.