On February 21, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the Ministry of Public Security of China released images of the arrest and extradition of 10 suspects involved in fraud, kidnapping and selling actor Wang Xing, along with several other artists and Chinese citizens, across borders. These suspects were captured by Thai police during a crackdown on a human trafficking ring that lured and sold individuals—including celebrities—across the Thailand-Myanmar border. Investigations revealed that the 10 suspects played various roles in the operation, including management, security staff and call center employees. The suspects were deported from Thailand and handed over to Chinese authorities, officially returning to China for further investigation on February 15.
Earlier, on January 27, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security had also arrested and extradited a suspect known as Yan Shiliu. This individual targeted victims within the Chinese entertainment industry by impersonating a Thai TV station employee, inviting gullible B-list celebrities and extras to work abroad, only to deceive and sell them across the border.
The case of actor Wang Xing, model Yang Zeqi and several others who were tricked into traveling to Thailand before being sold into slave markets near the Myanmar border has caused an uproar in China. The mastermind behind the operation, identified as “Golden Tiger” (also known as Director Yu), hails from Guangdong, China. He owns the largest labor brokerage company in the area and operates multiple businesses in China.
Meanwhile, the individual directly responsible for selling Wang Xing, named Jin Can, has also been arrested. Jin Can worked under Golden Tiger and was responsible for trafficking approximately 30% of the victims. When news of Wang Xing’s abduction spread across media and social platforms, members of the trafficking ring grew concerned that targeting a celebrity would jeopardize their operations. However, when they questioned Golden Tiger, he reportedly reassured them that there was no need to worry.
This criminal organization reportedly operated under a quota and reward system. The more victims traffickers lured, the higher their bonuses. The group’s standard practice involved seizing victims’ passports immediately upon capture. They also mocked the idea of trafficking older individuals, deeming them “less valuable”. Additionally, reports suggest that Wang Xing was eventually freed, but only after a ransom of 2 million yuan was paid. The horrifying crimes committed by this international trafficking syndicate have left the public in shock and fear.
According to Chinese media, at least four artists have been reported as victims of this human trafficking operation across the Thailand-Myanmar border. However, as of now, only Wang Xing and Yang Zeqi have been located and rescued, while the whereabouts of the remaining victims remain unknown.