On the run for years: Fraudster goes into hiding after facial surgery
Bangkok (Thailand) - She swindled herself a fortune when she was found out, had her face operated on and went on the run. After years on the run, a wanted fraudster (30) from China was caught in Thailand.
A life of luxury, the trick with the stewardess job and a penchant for beauty surgeries: a Chinese fraudster who had been on the run for almost five years suddenly looked completely different when she was arrested.
As reported bythe South China Morning Post, the suspect was caught by the Thai immigration police following a tip-off. The 30-year-old, who is only known by her surname Xie, is said to have defrauded at least six victims of more than 1.5 million yuan (200,000 euros) between 2016 and 2019.
Xie always proceeded in the same way: She tricked her victims into believing she was working as a flight attendant for a reputable airline. For a "placement fee", she could get people who wanted to work there a job as a stewardess - experience in the job or relevant training: not essential.
But the lucrative job never materialized; instead, Madame Xie lined her pockets and lived a life of luxury. When she was found out, she went abroad.
Fraudster changes her appearance at the beauty doc
Around the same time, Xie began to change her appearance, apparently going to the beauty doctor several times and having surgery on her nose, lip, chin and eye area. Pictures published by Chinese investigators show how the fraudster's face changed significantly over time.
In 2022, Xie traveled to Thailand on a tourist visa, rented a luxury apartment in Bangkok under a false name, apparently hoping to hide from the Chinese authorities, who were now searching for the fraudster with an international arrest warrant.
The case got rolling when neighbors became aware of the woman. Xie was often seen trying to cover her face and was said to have never left the house without her mask. The residents suspected that she was an illegal immigrant and informed the police.
Xie overstayed her tourist visa by more than 620 days and is to be deported from Thailand to China after paying a fine. The fraudster is likely to face uncomfortable times.