Authorities Cut Illegal Internet Cables Used by Scammers
PUBLISHED: 21 Oct 2024 at 10:43
MUKDAHAN – Law enforcement officials have cut internet cables found to be illegally transmitting services from Mukdahan province into Laos, extending approximately five kilometers into Lao territory.
This illegal service was reportedly exploited by scam operations based in Laos, luring Thai individuals into fraudulent schemes under the guise of legitimate businesses from Thailand.
During a recent press briefing, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission revealed that the illegal cable link was uncovered on Sunday.
The cables were situated across the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Mukdahan province with Savannakhet province in Laos over the Mekong River.
These cables were installed by a licensed telecommunications provider whose authorization strictly covers service provision within Thailand. “The NBTC utilized specialized equipment to examine the cables and confirmed their connection leaked internet services well into Laos, reaching a bustling business district and potentially serving about 10,000 users simultaneously,” stated a spokesperson.
This setup allowed scam gangs to operate seamlessly, misleading victims into believing they were communicating with local businesses. “The operation was established with blatant disregard for legal repercussions,” he added, withholding the provider’s name for confidentiality.
Assistant National Police Chief highlighted the unusual nature of this case. “While we have encountered internet cables along natural borders and rivers, this is the first instance of cables being found on a cross-border bridge,” he noted.
