According to the Bangkok Post, a Malaysian man suspected of operating an illegal online gambling platform and laundering over 11.5 billion Thai Baht (approximately 314 million USD) within Thailand was arrested by the Thai Immigration Bureau upon his arrival at Bangkok's Don Mueang International Airport.
The 26-year-old suspect, named Steven Choong Seng Lok, arrived in Bangkok on AirAsia flight AK890 from Kuala Lumpur. He was intercepted by officers from the second division of the Thai Immigration Police at the entry point, following an arrest warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court in December 2024, and was transferred to the second department responsible for investigating cybercrimes for further interrogation.
Thai police allege that Choong Seng Lok was involved in operating shell companies linked to the gambling platform Hydra888, suspected of systematic money laundering through these companies. He is charged with violating gambling laws, conspiring to launder money, and participating in transnational financial crimes.
Major General Choengron Rimphadee, commander of the second division of the Immigration Bureau, revealed that preliminary investigations showed that Hydra888 had handled over 11.52 billion Thai Baht in financial transactions over the past 12 months, likely as part of an organized gambling network. Choong's company is suspected of being a front-end operation entity for transferring and laundering funds.
Law enforcement had tracked his movements before his arrival in Thailand and successfully deployed surveillance. Choong was detained immediately upon entering the international arrival area and was later sent to the relevant judicial authorities on the same day.
Under Thai law, unauthorized gambling, money laundering, and transnational financial crimes are subject to severe criminal penalties. Currently, Thai authorities are expanding their investigation to trace the complete financial network behind Hydra888, targeting more potential suspects and international collaborators.
This case also highlights Thailand's recent aggressive stance against transnational online gambling and money laundering activities, with law enforcement accelerating cross-border collaboration to eliminate illegal financial flows both domestically and abroad.
