Internet scam

Sixty Chinese and Taiwanese nationals arrested on Monday for alleged involvement in an extortion racket were deported to China yesterday as details emerged of the scope of the scam – reportedly encompassing most of Southeast Asia.

National police spokesman Kirt Chantharith said yesterday the suspects had been sent on a special flight.

Voice of America reported yesterday that Taiwanese authorities had said more than 800 people had been arrested in hundreds of locations across Asia.

The 300 Taiwanese and 500 Chinese suspects had been arrested in China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, VOA said Taiwanese authorities had confirmed.