Thai police raided 17 locations suspected of being linked to online gambling networks. These included the private residence where famous Thai actress Yatip Ratchapal and her husband lived. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau authorized police commandos to conduct raids in Bangkok and its suburbs to collect evidence of active gambling networks.
Bankapi
The police raid also targeted Bangkok's high-end area - Bankapi District, where famous actress Yatipa Ratchapal and her husband live , entrepreneur and businessmanMek Rama. Rama is also one of the hoteliers in Phuket. A large police contingent searched the home in Mek's presence. Accompanied by him, the police discovered a darkroom containing a large safe containing personal, confidential items and valuables. Assets seized from the couple's home exceeded 1 billion baht. Police also impounded a Ferrari, a BMW and three large vans. Police said Mr Mek was cautioned for colluding in online gambling activities. He will also face prosecution under theAnti-Money Laundering Act.
Whistleblower
The whistleblower is assisting with the investigation.
It is understood that former massage parlor tycoon Chuvit Kamolvisit has also exposed some active online gambling platforms and gambling activities. Thai media pointed out that Kamolvisit may be the whistleblower who revealed that Mek and Rajpal were involved in online gambling activities in Thailand. In a post on his Facebook page, Chuvit mentioned a person whose initials are M. wrote that the accused bookmaker lived a luxurious life in a house worth 200 million baht. He also said the gentleman also drove a red Ferrari. Chuvit accused Mek of being involved in a large football-related betting network.
The raids on 17 other locations in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Sa Kaeo and Phitsanuk resulted in a total of nine arrests. The raids were conducted simultaneously and without prior warning as part of Operation Shadow App. The raids resulted in 34 arrests at seven of the 17 raid locations. Police seized about 2 million baht in cash, as well as a number of cars and mobile phones. 45 bank accounts are also now under police investigation.
Thai authorities are trying to crack down on online and brick-and-mortar gambling.
Fight against illegal gambling
This is not the first time police have raided homes without warning to crack down on gambling, which is illegal in Thailand. During the coronavirus pandemic, some online gambling operations have been shut down and operators have been arrested, fined and prosecuted.
Currently, the only forms of gambling permitted in Thailand are horse racing betting and the national lottery. However, the government is considering regulating the gambling market and is actively discussing the issue internally with a view to introducing a highly regulated sector.
