Chinese call centre gang members ‘running online investment scam' were caught fleeing across the border from Myanmar to Thailand.

The nine alleged fraudsters carrying mainland China passports were discovered on the back of a local official's black Isuzu pickup truck at a checkpoint in Chiang Rai province on September 26.

They had no visas and were found to have escaped Burmese authorities through Pa Kao cliff in Tachileik town to Lise village, where they were picked up by the truck.

Police seized 45 mobile phones, a thick stash of credit cards, and cash inside the men's bags.

An investigating officer said: ‘A local official was transporting men who looked different from Thais and only communicated in Chinese behind his vehicle. We are coordinating with relevant agencies about this.'

Upon being questioned, the alleged Chinese gangsters said they worked in a call centre network, but due to a crackdown by Burmese authorities, they were forced to flee arrest and cross the border.

The call centre gang allegedly ran scams to lure people into investing their money online in fictitious companies.

They said they were picked up on a truck to continue their journey to Mueang Chiang Rai district for a fee of 1,000 baht (25 GBP) per person.

The vehicle's owner, local official Thanaphon Wisetjarurot, 48, said he was asked to deliver the Chinese men to Huai Khrai Subdistrict, Mae Sai District.

Thanaphon told officials that he thought the group carried valid international passports and was not aware of which channel the gang member used to enter the country.

Officers had already detained the men and sent them to the immigration checkpoint in Chiang Rai province to face legal prosecution.

Meanwhile, authorities have also been informed about the local official for further legal action.

China in recent years has become notorious for becoming a source of criminal activity in neighbouring countries.