A THAI court today ordered Malaysian businessman Teow Wooi Huat to be extradited to China to face charges in connection with fraud, though Malaysia too had filed an extradition request. 

The court said Teow, who founded MBI Group, can file an appeal within 30 days. 

The verdict was delivered during a virtual hearing today. 

Teow, wearing a brown prison uniform and a face mask appeared on camera from the Bangkok Remand Prison, accompanied by prison officers. 

He appeared calm throughout the hearing, and after the judge read the verdict, he asked: “Can I appeal?” 

Earlier, the court said Beijing had filed a request to extradite Teow to China for fraud and a dubious investment scheme.

The court also noted Teow is on the Interpol Red Notice list. 

“He (Teow) was involved in fraud through his companies operating in Malaysia and Thailand. He will be extradited to China,” the court said. 

Teow’s counsel Juti Suanraksa said Teow will be filing an appeal against the extradition order to China.

He said Teow’s counsels are preparing the necessary documents to be submitted to the court regarding Malaysia’s extradition request.

“We are submitting additional documents as requested. 

“The court is expected to hear the case of Malaysia’s extradition request soon,” he told Bernama. 

Teow was detained on July 21 last year and was told he is wanted by China authorities for duping investors with his dubious investment schemes. 

He has been in Thai immigration custody for more than 180 days after his visa was revoked on last July 21. 

Since then, he has been awaiting deportation by Thai authorities. 

Beijing police reportedly want him for questioning following a suit filed by around 400 investors from China to recover investments worth some RM100 million. 

On July 25, Malaysian police said they were applying for Teow to be extradited to Malaysia to assist in investigations under section 420 of the penal code for cheating. – Bernama, January 18, 2023.