Notes on the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ)

Overview

• Enormous center for criminal activity: drug trafficking, human trafficking, scam operations.
• Victims are often deceived by online ads for overseas job opportunities.
• Zhao Wei: Alleged crime boss controlling the GTSEZ.

Criminal Activities

• Types of Crimes:
  • Drug trafficking
  • Human trafficking
  • Online scams
• Meth trafficking has significantly increased; GTSEZ is a key storage and distribution point.
• In 2022, 169 tons of methamphetamines seized in Southeast Asia, with 82% from Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.

The Role of Zhao Wei

• Chinese national, central figure in GTSEZ operations.
• Allegations of collaboration with Chinese organized crime and involvement in drug trafficking.
• Established GTSEZ in partnership with the Lao government in 2007; received a 99-year lease on 39 square miles.
• Denies involvement in illegal activities; claims to drive drug trafficking out of the region.

GTSEZ and the Lao Government

• Laos is influenced heavily by China; the Lao government holds a 20% stake in GTSEZ.
• The area is viewed strategically by China, leading to tolerance or support for Zhao Wei's operations.

Law Enforcement Challenges

• Thai military patrols frequently to intercept drug traffickers; limited success against rampant drug trade.
• Sovereignty issues prevent international law enforcement from intervening in Laos.
• Reports indicate law enforcement's skepticism towards Zhao Wei's denials about illegal activities.

Human Trafficking and Online Scams

• Victims, like "Siti," lured by false job offers, end up working in exploitative conditions.
• Scamming operations described as "pig butchering scams," where victims are manipulated into losing substantial money.
• Reported $64 billion per year lost due to Chinese-origin criminal syndicates' scams.

Conclusion

• GTSEZ continues to pose serious challenges for law enforcement in the region.
• Thousands of trafficking victims remain trapped, with little hope for rescue.
• Zhao Wei's future remains uncertain as geopolitical interests evolve.