BANGKOK – The Thai court is to decide on where wanted Malaysian businessman Teow Wooi Huat will be extradited, after Malaysia filed an extradition request for the 55-year Penang-born entrepreneur on December 20.
Malaysia’s extradition request was heard by the Bangkok Criminal Court today.
His lead counsel Juti Suanraksa said the defence team would submit the necessary documents for his extradition to Malaysia.
“We want to know why Teow must be extradited to China. If all goes well, chances of Teow returning to Malaysia are high,” he said.
Teow was detained on July 21 this year and was informed on August 1 that he was wanted by authorities in China for duping investors with his dubious investment schemes.
He is being sought both by Malaysia and China, with the latter being the first to request for his extradition.
Juti said the counsel team today also questioned why Teow – since his arrest – was never informed why his visa was revoked.
Teow, the founder of MBI Group, has been in Thai immigration police custody for more than 150 days now, after his visa was revoked on July 21. Since then, he has been awaiting deportation by the Thai authorities.
Beijing police also reportedly want him for questioning, following a suit filed by about 400 investors from China to recover investments worth some RM100 million.
On July 25, the Royal Malaysia Police said it is in the process of applying for Teow’s extradition to Malaysia to assist investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
On December 4, Thai assistant national police chief Surachate Hakparn said Teow would be deported before the end of this month. – Bernama, December 22, 2022
