She Zhijiang, a Chinese national accused of running over 200 illegal online gambling operations, has been extradited from Thailand to China. This significant legal move comes amid heightened scrutiny of transnational crime networks in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, a rare aurora australis illuminated the skies over Australia and New Zealand, captivating skywatchers following a powerful solar storm.

Extradition of She Zhijiang
She Zhijiang, 43, was arrested in August 2022 in Bangkok on an Interpol red notice requested by Beijing. Thai police confirmed his extradition on Wednesday, following a court ruling that upheld the decision to send him back to China to face charges related to illegal gambling and money laundering. Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej emphasized the high priority of this case for China. She’s lawyer, Sanya Eadjongdee, described the extradition process as "unusual" but did not provide further details. She continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Impact of Online Gambling Operations
She’s gambling empire included the Shwe Kokko complex, a $15 billion casino and entertainment hub on the Thai-Myanmar border. The U.S. Treasury Department has previously sanctioned several entities linked to this operation for their involvement in regional scam and trafficking networks. The area has become a hotspot for online fraud since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with criminal gangs trafficking hundreds of thousands of individuals for forced labor in scam centers.

Cannibal Solar Storm Creates Stunning Aurora
On the same day as She’s extradition, a "cannibal" solar storm produced a spectacular aurora australis visible across large parts of Australia and New Zealand. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the storm reached "G4 geomagnetic storm conditions," while the British Geological Survey recorded a G5 rating in the UK, the highest on the geomagnetic storm scale. Dr. Laura Driessen from the Sydney Institute for Astronomy noted that the storm was caused by two powerful coronal mass ejections from the sun that merged before reaching Earth.

Consequences of Solar Activity
The solar storm not only provided breathtaking views but also posed risks to electrical infrastructure. The induced geoelectric field was the largest recorded in the UK since 2012, raising concerns about potential damage to power grid transformers. Additionally, the elevated solar activity led to the postponement of two NASA missions bound for Mars due to safety precautions regarding the spacecraft.

Wrap-up
The extradition of She Zhijiang underscores ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime in Southeast Asia, while the stunning display of the aurora australis highlights the impact of solar activity on Earth. Both events reflect significant developments in international law enforcement and natural phenomena, capturing global interest.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team