Chinese Woman Arrested in Phuket Over Alleged Nominee Business Scheme

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has arrested a Chinese woman on Phuket over allegations that she operated businesses illegally through Thai nominee shareholders. Investigators say the woman controlled at least two companies, while a Thai shareholder allegedly acknowledged that she had acted as a nominee.

The suspect, identified in police records as Ms Lin, was arrested under a warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court. The investigation included searches at two locations in Rawai.

According to investigators, Lin was a shareholder and director of two companies operating in the services and property sectors. Both businesses listed the same Thai woman among their co-owners.

During questioning, the Thai shareholder reportedly told officers that Lin had provided all the investment capital and exercised sole control over the companies’ operations.

Villa and financial transactions under investigation

Investigators also identified a luxury villa linked to the businesses, with an estimated value of more than 50 million baht.

Authorities raised additional concerns about Lin’s financial activities. One of her bank accounts had previously been frozen in connection with nine criminal cases involving the alleged use of mule accounts.

Police also identified transactions totalling more than 100 million baht across other accounts linked to the suspect.

The cases under investigation reportedly include alleged investment fraud, false offers of additional income and schemes involving deceptive share-trading opportunities.

Charges under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act

Lin has been charged with alleged violations of Thailand’s Foreign Business Act, including conducting business without the required authorisation and using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders.

The case comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign-owned businesses on Phuket as authorities step up enforcement against investors suspected of circumventing Thai business regulations.

Officials have also been checking compliance with business licence conditions, the legality of foreign employment and whether commercial premises have undergone unauthorised structural alterations.

The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the investigation is ongoing.