The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Thailand recently announced that the police have launched a joint crackdown in Ban Chang District of Rayong Province, Bang Phli District of Samut Prakan Province, and Bang Lamung District of Chonburi Province, successfully dismantling a cross-border Chinese-funded telecommunications fraud syndicate, arresting a total of 31 suspects, including 13 Chinese nationals and 18 Thai nationals.
The gang is suspected of illegally detaining "nominee account" holders, forcing them to cooperate with fraudulent fund transfer activities. Those who resisted or disobeyed were subjected to beatings and intimidation.
Assets seized exceed 6 million Thai Baht, involved in multiple serious crimes
At the scene, the police seized a large number of crime tools and assets, including 49 bank passbooks, 49 bank cards, 66 mobile phones, 2 laptops, 3 cars, 2 motorcycles, over 1 million Thai Baht in cash, and other valuable items, with a total estimated value of over 6 million Thai Baht.
All suspects are charged with multiple crimes including:
Jointly defrauding the public
Impersonating others to commit fraud
Entering false information into computer systems
Money laundering
Participating in organized crime
Illegal possession of Class I narcotics (such as ecstasy, methamphetamine)
Illegal possession of Class II psychoactive substances (such as ketamine)
Victim's experience exposed: "Open a store to sell goods" scam lures investment
The case originated from a victim's report of telecommunications fraud. The victim saw a sales advertisement on Facebook, clicked on the link, and was guided into a Line group called "Shopping Center" (with over 700 members), where the main discussion was about buying and selling goods.
After listing products, a "buyer" quickly expressed interest in purchasing. Subsequently, the administrator, under the guise of "registering the store," induced the victim to click on a phishing website called "SELLER CENTER" and guided them to fill in their personal information.
After registration, the administrator further instructed them to add a "financial accountant" on Line, claiming that this person would handle withdrawal matters. However, after the "completion" of the product transaction, the other party informed them that due to the incomplete "visibility test," withdrawal was not possible, and guided them to join another new group called "Open Store Visibility."
In this small group, the victim was asked to repeatedly "recharge funds" to "increase store activity and earn profits." Initially, partial withdrawals were possible, but after adding more funds, the platform refused withdrawals for various reasons, ultimately causing the victim to lose a total of 2.9 million Thai Baht.
"Stables" forcibly control account holders, receive instructions via Telegram
The police investigation revealed that the gang rented holiday villas in Ban Chang District of Rayong Province as so-called "stables," where they illegally detained deceived "nominee account" holders. The criminals confiscated their mobile phones and communication devices, strictly prohibited contact with the outside world, and used violence to force them to obey orders.
These "horses" were then taken to various banks to open accounts and received remote instructions from within China via Telegram to participate in cross-border money laundering operations.
Simultaneous raids in multiple locations, 31 people arrested
On April 8, 2024, Thai police first launched a raid, entering 3 "stable" locations in Rayong Province and successfully arresting 21 people. Recently, the law enforcement action expanded to Samut Prakan Province and Chonburi Province, ultimately arresting a total of 31 suspects. All suspects have now been transferred to the prosecutor for indictment, and the case is still under further investigation.
