Victims Lured by Promises of Online Job Opportunities
In a significant crackdown, authorities have apprehended 10 alleged members of a sophisticated investment scam operation that allegedly defrauded individuals of billions of baht. The arrests took place in Bangkok and several provinces following coordinated raids executed by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
Police confirmed the capture of six Thai nationals—four women and two men—and four Chinese nationals during operations conducted in locations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, starting last week and culminating on Monday.
Among those arrested were individuals identified by police as Atchara, 27; Porntip, 44; Nopawit, 31; Chonlathee, 21; Pantharee, 26; Supawadee, 39; Gao, 35; Xiong, 30; Mao, 46; and Zhou, 44.
The suspects face multiple charges, including public fraud, computer crime, money laundering, and illegal assembly.
CIB Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej reported that these individuals are part of a broader investigation involving 32 suspects, including 10 Thai nationals operating mule accounts and two Chinese call scammers. The operation is believed to involve extensive financial misconduct.
Victims were initially attracted by offers of online jobs that required clicking “likes” on social media posts. After earning a small amount, they were then encouraged to make investments with promised returns of 30-50%. Unfortunately, many victims reported receiving returns for only a short period before losing all communication.
The investigation commenced after one victim filed a fraud complaint in February of the previous year.
According to Pol Maj Gen Athip Pongsiwapai, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, five of the detained individuals are suspected of facilitating money laundering, while the others are believed to have operated mule accounts. Police have seized assets valued at 14 million baht linked to the suspects, which include luxury items and land titles.
Atchara and several Chinese suspects denied charges of public fraud but acknowledged their involvement in currency exchange operations for illicit transactions.
Pol Maj Gen Athip reported that the group began laundering funds for illegal Chinese businesses in 2023 and handled USDT stablecoins exceeding 6.5 billion baht. They converted and withdrew approximately 2.9 billion baht and utilized the funds to acquire properties.
In related operations, authorities have apprehended three Chinese nationals involved in a scheme operating under the name Lucky Co. They allegedly misled individuals into participating in lucky draws while unlawfully harvesting their personal information. Based in a commercial building in Huai Khwang district, this operation is linked to over 88,000 victims.
The accused have connections to additional illicit activities, including operating call scams and human trafficking.
Authorities conducting a search at Lucky Co in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok.
