Latest news with #Chinese-led
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
After PM Modi's Croatia Visit, Indian Firms Take On China's BRI In Mega Infra Projects: Report
Last Updated: PM Modi's Croatia visit led Indian firms to bid for major infrastructure projects, competing with Chinese rivals, including railway and highway projects worth 1.1 billion euros. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic in Zagreb last month, Plenkovic praised India's growing interest in maritime trade routes to the Mediterranean. Barely weeks later, two top Indian infrastructure firms are looking to outpace Chinese rivals by bidding for some of Croatia's biggest rail and road projects, according to a report by Bloomberg, who were among the first to report the developments. PM Modi's visit has prompted growing interest from Indian firms eyeing big-ticket infrastructure projects in Croatia. In the past week, a leading Indian engineering and construction heavyweight which is known for its work in marine infrastructure, metros, bridges and tunnels has placed three bids for key state-backed railway and highway projects in the EU's newest member, with a combined value of 1.1 billion euros ($1.3 billion). Another Indian conglomerate, based in Nashik and known for its expertise in highway and transport EPC projects, is also competing for the same railway reconstruction contract. New Delhi is a relatively new player in the Balkans, a region where Beijing has long had a strong presence through its Belt and Road infrastructure push. One of the most prominent Chinese-led projects is the 2.4-kilometre Peljesac Bridge, Croatia's largest sea bridge, built by a consortium headed by China Road and Bridge Corporation. Opened in 2022 and largely funded by the European Union, the bridge linked Croatia's coastal regions, bypassing a narrow stretch of Bosnian territory, and gave a significant boost to transport and tourism. As part of the tender process, the Mumbai-based infrastructure player submitted the lowest bid for a major railway reconstruction project floated by HZ Infrastruktura, valued at around 620 million euros. The project, partly funded by the European Union, is among the largest rail ventures in Croatia's recent history. In two other highway construction tenders in southern Croatia, the same firm is competing with a Chinese consortium, placing bids of 240.5 million euros and 214.4 million euros respectively. A Nashik-based engineering and EPC major is also in the race for the railway project, signalling a stronger push by Indian firms into Croatia's infrastructure sector. view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 19:55 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Thai police uncover two Chinese-led online fraud rings in latest blitz against scammers
BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Chiang Mai police have arrested three suspects linked to two Chinese-led online fraud rings, uncovering a network that defrauded the public through fake investment schemes and money mule operations. Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), revealed on July 21 that intensified crackdowns on cybercrime are underway across the country. Following a coordination meeting held on July 18, which brought together representatives from multiple agencies to review recent operations and issue renewed directives for continued enforcement, officials reported several notable developments in cybercrime cases. One of the most notable cases, reported by Provincial Police Region 5, involved the raid of a luxury pool villa in Chiang Mai's Hang Dong district, where a Chinese-led gang had allegedly set up an online gambling and investment scam operation targeting elderly Chinese nationals. Online gambling scam linked to over 500 million baht in losses Acting on intelligence reports, police raided the villa located in the Ban Waen subdistrict and found 14 Chinese nationals, consisting of 11 men and three women, as well as three Myanmar nationals - a man and two women - inside. The suspects were caught actively operating fraudulent platforms aimed at luring elderly Chinese citizens aged 60 to 80 into bogus online investments. Officers seized 10 desktop computers and 26 mobile phones used in the scam. According to investigators, the gang used Thailand as a base to run a call centre scheme that encouraged victims to invest via mobile applications. Once funds were transferred, contact with the victims was immediately severed. This group had recently relocated their operation from San Sai district to Hang Dong, reportedly under the direction of a Chinese national acting as the operation's ringleader. The move followed a police crackdown on another Chinese-run scam operation at a luxury housing estate in San Sai on June 16. Visa loopholes and university involvement Forensic analysis of seized equipment revealed that the suspects had entered Thailand on tourist or student visas. In many cases, those on student visas could not even name the institutions they were allegedly attending. A subsequent investigation found that at least five universities in Chiang Mai—both monastic and private—had issued student visas to over 13,000 Chinese nationals. Authorities believe some of these individuals exploited the visa system to reside in Thailand and carry out fraud against fellow Chinese citizens. Preliminary estimates suggest over 100,000 Chinese victims were defrauded, with losses totalling more than 100 million yuan (S$17.9 million). All suspects are now in custody and face charges, including public fraud and involvement in transnational criminal networks. Authorities will coordinate with the Chinese consulate for further verification and intend to expand the investigation to identify and dismantle the wider network. Thai police bust gang linked to call centre scam, seizing millions Chiang Mai Provincial Police have arrested three suspects, including one Thai woman and two Chinese men, in connection with fraud and computer crimes. The arrests were made following a warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court for their involvement in deceiving the public and falsifying data through computer systems, which could potentially harm the public. The arrests stemmed from a report received by the Mae Ping Police Station about a quarrel between a Chinese man and a Thai woman in front of an ATM at a popular shopping mall in central Chiang Mai. Upon intervention, officers found scattered cash totalling over 2.6 million baht (S$103,090), prompting them to bring the suspects to the station for further investigation. Investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a larger scam operation, led by a Chinese mastermind who tricked both Chinese and Thai nationals into investing in fraudulent schemes. The two Chinese men arrested were responsible for managing a group of money mules who would withdraw funds and deliver them to the boss. The Thai woman, who had taken on her first task as a money mule to pay off her debts, was caught during the operation. Police are expanding their investigation to uncover the full scope of the criminal network involved. Gen Thatchai emphasised that with the rapid advancement of technology, online crime has become a significant threat to individuals and society. In particular, the issue of 'money mule' accounts has emerged as a key method for criminals to launder money and defraud the public. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive strategy and cooperation from all sectors. 'The key to combating online crime is intercepting it at the source,' Gen Thatchai said. 'This includes addressing the use of companies as channels for money laundering and the opening of money mule accounts, both by Thai citizens and foreigners, which are exploited in criminal activities.' The police have stepped up measures to control financial transactions, particularly those involving illegal cross-border withdrawals and transfers. Additionally, Gen Thatchai highlighted the importance of preventing Thai nationals from illegally crossing borders to work in foreign countries, which often leads them to become victims or accomplices in call centre scams. 'We must have clear processes in place to repatriate Thai nationals involved in such activities to ensure efficient and humane handling of these cases,' Gen Thatchai concluded. 'This will help expedite legal actions and ensure the process is conducted in accordance with human rights principles.' -- THE NATION THAILAND/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Thai police uncover two Chinese-led online fraud rings
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The network defrauded members of the public through fake investment schemes and money mule operations. BANGKOK - Chiang Mai police have arrested three suspects linked to two Chinese-led online fraud rings, uncovering a network that defrauded the public through fake investment schemes and money mule operations. Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot , Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), revealed on July 21 that intensified crackdowns on cybercrime are underway across the country. Following a coordination meeting held on July 18, which brought together representatives from multiple agencies to review recent operations and issue renewed directives for continued enforcement, officials reported several notable developments in cybercrime cases. One of the most notable cases, reported by Provincial Police Region 5, involved the raid of a luxury pool villa in Chiang Mai's Hang Dong district, where a Chinese-led gang had allegedly set up an online gambling and investment scam operation targeting elderly Chinese nationals. Online gambling scam linked to over 500 million baht in losses Acting on intelligence reports, police raided the villa located in the Ban Waen subdistrict and found 14 Chinese nationals, consisting of 11 men and three women, as well as three Myanmar nationals - a man and two women - inside. The suspects were caught actively operating fraudulent platforms aimed at luring elderly Chinese citizens aged 60 to 80 into bogus online investments. Officers seized 10 desktop computers and 26 mobile phones used in the scam. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry, causing fractures to passenger and injuring 16 others Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip According to investigators, the gang used Thailand as a base to run a call centre scheme that encouraged victims to invest via mobile applications. Once funds were transferred, contact with the victims was immediately severed. This group had recently relocated their operation from San Sai district to Hang Dong, reportedly under the direction of a Chinese national acting as the operation's ringleader. The move followed a police crackdown on another Chinese-run scam operation at a luxury housing estate in San Sai on June 16. Visa loopholes and university involvement Forensic analysis of seized equipment revealed that the suspects had entered Thailand on tourist or student visas. In many cases, those on student visas could not even name the institutions they were allegedly attending. A subsequent investigation found that at least five universities in Chiang Mai—both monastic and private—had issued student visas to over 13,000 Chinese nationals. Authorities believe some of these individuals exploited the visa system to reside in Thailand and carry out fraud against fellow Chinese citizens. Preliminary estimates suggest over 100,000 Chinese victims were defrauded, with losses totalling more than 100 million yuan (S$17.9 million). All suspects are now in custody and face charges, including public fraud and involvement in transnational criminal networks. Authorities will coordinate with the Chinese consulate for further verification and intend to expand the investigation to identify and dismantle the wider network. Thai police bust gang linked to call centre scam, seizing millions Chiang Mai Provincial Police have arrested three suspects, including one Thai woman and two Chinese men, in connection with fraud and computer crimes. The arrests were made following a warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court for their involvement in deceiving the public and falsifying data through computer systems, which could potentially harm the public. The arrests stemmed from a report received by the Mae Ping Police Station about a quarrel between a Chinese man and a Thai woman in front of an ATM at a popular shopping mall in central Chiang Mai. Upon intervention, officers found scattered cash totalling over 2.6 million baht (S$103,090), prompting them to bring the suspects to the station for further investigation. Investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a larger scam operation, led by a Chinese mastermind who tricked both Chinese and Thai nationals into investing in fraudulent schemes. The two Chinese men arrested were responsible for managing a group of money mules who would withdraw funds and deliver them to the boss. The Thai woman, who had taken on her first task as a money mule to pay off her debts, was caught during the operation. Police are expanding their investigation to uncover the full scope of the criminal network involved. Gen Thatchai emphasised that with the rapid advancement of technology, online crime has become a significant threat to individuals and society. In particular, the issue of 'money mule' accounts has emerged as a key method for criminals to launder money and defraud the public. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive strategy and cooperation from all sectors. 'The key to combating online crime is intercepting it at the source,' Gen Thatchai said. 'This includes addressing the use of companies as channels for money laundering and the opening of money mule accounts, both by Thai citizens and foreigners, which are exploited in criminal activities.' The police have stepped up measures to control financial transactions, particularly those involving illegal cross-border withdrawals and transfers. Additionally, Gen Thatchai highlighted the importance of preventing Thai nationals from illegally crossing borders to work in foreign countries, which often leads them to become victims or accomplices in call centre scams. 'We must have clear processes in place to repatriate Thai nationals involved in such activities to ensure efficient and humane handling of these cases,' Gen Thatchai concluded. 'This will help expedite legal actions and ensure the process is conducted in accordance with human rights principles.' THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman accelerates green hydrogen technology localisation
MUSCAT, JULY 18 Hydrom, the architect of Oman's green hydrogen sector, has reported significant progress in the localisation of technology and manufacturing capacity linked to the vast volumes of solar panels, wind turbines, electrolysers and other essential hardware needed to meet the country's ambitious green hydrogen targets. A number of green hydrogen projects currently in early development across Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates are expected to commence operations by around 2030, contributing to Oman's goal of producing 1 million tonnes of low-carbon molecules annually by that time. Achieving this target will require approximately 40 million solar panels and up to 3,000 wind turbines — equipment that will nearly triple the country's current grid capacity, according to Eng Abdulaziz Al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom. 'To reach our 2030 targets, we're proactively enabling this expansion by laying the necessary groundwork now. With project contracts signed for up to 47 years, the momentum is clear and investors are taking note,' Al Shidhani said in an interview with The Energy Year, a UK-based energy news platform. The official also emphasised that technology localisation is central to Hydrom's strategy. 'We've signed MoUs with electrolyser manufacturers, including Siemens Energy and ThyssenKrupp Nucera. These partnerships support our industrial ambitions, including polysilicon production and the local manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines. Suhar is set to host solar panel production, while Al Duqm will see wind turbine assembly'. Over the past year, Suhar has attracted over a billion dollars in new Chinese-led investments in large-scale solar panel and module manufacturing facilities, aimed primarily at serving domestic and regional markets. Additionally, United Solar Polysilicon (FZC) SPC, an international green energy company, is making rapid progress on a $1.6 billion polysilicon plant with a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum, located in Suhar Industrial City. Alongside its efforts to build a robust green hydrogen production sector, Hydrom is actively supporting the development of supply chains and a broader ecosystem around the green molecule. As part of this drive, Hydrom hosted a Green Hydrogen Ecosystem Readiness Lab last September, bringing together 58 government entities. 'We identified 26 strategic initiatives grouped into five core areas: logistics and infrastructure readiness, regulatory streamlining, technology localisation, workforce capacity building and domestic market development. These initiatives are being actively tracked and managed through our green hydrogen acceleration dashboard, gH2ad, which ensures transparency, promotes accountability and keeps all stakeholders aligned towards shared goals', Al Shidhani explained. (gH2ad refers to green hydrogen, ammonia and derivatives — including green ammonia, green methanol, synthetic fuels (e-fuels) and LOHCs or liquid organic hydrogen carriers). Hydrom is also working closely with free zone authorities to allocate suitable plots for investments in downstream green hydrogen conversion and other value-added industries. 'We coordinate closely with free zone authorities to align policy and infrastructure. For instance, Vulcan Green Steel and others are planning green steel projects that will rely on hydrogen supply chains originating from outside the free zones', he said. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to manage the massive volumes of hardware that the green hydrogen sector will require — most of which will be imported in the early years — and ensure its seamless transport to designated sites. The Port of Duqm, which previously handled the arrival of wind turbines for Dhofar's first wind farm in 2019, will continue to serve as a gateway for such equipment. 'We've assigned ASYAD to lead logistics, focusing on three key initiatives: conducting a readiness assessment, implementing a control-tower approach to manage scheduling from port to site and coordinating with ongoing oil and gas activities. We are piloting our plan with the recently signed 100-MW PDO Riyah-1 and Riyah-2 wind farm projects in Al Duqm, allowing us to learn and adapt as needed', Al Shidhani added.
5 days ago
- Politics
China issues safety warning for its nationals studying in the Philippines
BEIJING -- China's Education Ministry issued a safety warning for Chinese students in the Philippines after what it said were a series of criminal incidents targeting them. The brief warning Friday did not identify any specific incidents but told students to increase their safety awareness should they choose to study in the Philippines. The number of Chinese students in the country was not given but enrolments have fallen to just a few hundred in recent years, according to the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post. Relations between the governments of China and the Philippines are particularly tense due to disputes over maritime claims in the South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. China has used water cannons and other non-lethal shipboard deterrents to drive off Philippine fishing boats. Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office said on Friday that China has the right to issue such an advisory but underscored that the crime rate in the Philippines has been falling and 'safety and security in the Philippines, we can say, have been improving as far as we are concerned.' Police response to public concerns over crime has been fast. Crimes sparked by Chinese online gambling have declined or have been eradicated and many Chinese suspects have been deported by the Philippines, Castro told a daily news briefing. In February a 14-year-old Chinese student was kidnapped in Manila by a Chinese-led gang, which killed his driver and cut off the student's finger in a bid to force his parents to pay a huge ransom. The Philippine interior secretary said the student's family and the Chinese leader of the kidnappers were allegedly former operators of lucrative online gambling outfits. Politically, China has dismissed a U.N.-backed court decision in The Hague that ruled out most of China's claims in the South China Sea and has expressed resentment over close ties between the U.S. and Manila. China often disrupts cultural and economic ties to register their discontent over actions by foreign governments. In April, China issued a similar warning about the risk to Chinese students in the United States.
