Thai police uncover two Chinese-led online fraud rings
The network defrauded members of the public through fake investment schemes and money mule operations.
BANGKOK - Chiang Mai police have arrested three suspects linked to two Chinese-led online fraud rings, uncovering a network that defrauded the public through fake investment schemes and money mule operations.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot , Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), revealed on July 21 that intensified crackdowns on cybercrime are underway across the country.
Following a coordination meeting held on July 18, which brought together representatives from multiple agencies to review recent operations and issue renewed directives for continued enforcement, officials reported several notable developments in cybercrime cases.
One of the most notable cases, reported by Provincial Police Region 5, involved the raid of a luxury pool villa in Chiang Mai's Hang Dong district, where a Chinese-led gang had allegedly set up an online gambling and investment scam operation targeting elderly Chinese nationals.
Online gambling scam linked to over 500 million baht in losses
Acting on intelligence reports, police raided the villa located in the Ban Waen subdistrict and found 14 Chinese nationals, consisting of 11 men and three women, as well as three Myanmar nationals - a man and two women - inside.
The suspects were caught actively operating fraudulent platforms aimed at luring elderly Chinese citizens aged 60 to 80 into bogus online investments.
Officers seized 10 desktop computers and 26 mobile phones used in the scam.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes into college campus
Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH
Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF
Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region
Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026
Singapore Fine, driving ban for bus driver who hit lorry, causing fractures to passenger and injuring 16 others
Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS
Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip
According to investigators, the gang used Thailand as a base to run a call centre scheme that encouraged victims to invest via mobile applications. Once funds were transferred, contact with the victims was immediately severed.
This group had recently relocated their operation from San Sai district to Hang Dong, reportedly under the direction of a Chinese national acting as the operation's ringleader.
The move followed a police crackdown on another Chinese-run scam operation at a luxury housing estate in San Sai on June 16.
Visa loopholes and university involvement
Forensic analysis of seized equipment revealed that the suspects had entered Thailand on tourist or student visas. In many cases, those on student visas could not even name the institutions they were allegedly attending.
A subsequent investigation found that at least five universities in Chiang Mai—both monastic and private—had issued student visas to over 13,000 Chinese nationals.
Authorities believe some of these individuals exploited the visa system to reside in Thailand and carry out fraud against fellow Chinese citizens.
Preliminary estimates suggest over 100,000 Chinese victims were defrauded, with losses totalling more than 100 million yuan (S$17.9 million).
All suspects are now in custody and face charges, including public fraud and involvement in transnational criminal networks.
Authorities will coordinate with the Chinese consulate for further verification and intend to expand the investigation to identify and dismantle the wider network.
Thai police bust gang linked to call centre scam, seizing millions
Chiang Mai Provincial Police have arrested three suspects, including one Thai woman and two Chinese men, in connection with fraud and computer crimes.
The arrests were made following a warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court for their involvement in deceiving the public and falsifying data through computer systems, which could potentially harm the public.
The arrests stemmed from a report received by the Mae Ping Police Station about a quarrel between a Chinese man and a Thai woman in front of an ATM at a popular shopping mall in central Chiang Mai.
Upon intervention, officers found scattered cash totalling over 2.6 million baht (S$103,090), prompting them to bring the suspects to the station for further investigation.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a larger scam operation, led by a Chinese mastermind who tricked both Chinese and Thai nationals into investing in fraudulent schemes.
The two Chinese men arrested were responsible for managing a group of money mules who would withdraw funds and deliver them to the boss.
The Thai woman, who had taken on her first task as a money mule to pay off her debts, was caught during the operation. Police are expanding their investigation to uncover the full scope of the criminal network involved.
Gen Thatchai emphasised that with the rapid advancement of technology, online crime has become a significant threat to individuals and society.
In particular, the issue of 'money mule' accounts has emerged as a key method for criminals to launder money and defraud the public. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive strategy and cooperation from all sectors.
'The key to combating online crime is intercepting it at the source,' Gen Thatchai said. 'This includes addressing the use of companies as channels for money laundering and the opening of money mule accounts, both by Thai citizens and foreigners, which are exploited in criminal activities.'
The police have stepped up measures to control financial transactions, particularly those involving illegal cross-border withdrawals and transfers.
Additionally, Gen Thatchai highlighted the importance of preventing Thai nationals from illegally crossing borders to work in foreign countries, which often leads them to become victims or accomplices in call centre scams.
'We must have clear processes in place to repatriate Thai nationals involved in such activities to ensure efficient and humane handling of these cases,' Gen Thatchai concluded. 'This will help expedite legal actions and ensure the process is conducted in accordance with human rights principles.' THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
8 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Pakistan jails eight from former PM Imran Khan's party 2023 riots
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan pauses as he speaks with Reuters during an interview, in Lahore, Pakistan March 17, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo LAHORE - A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced eight senior members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party to 10 years in prison late on Tuesday over riots that targeted military sites following Khan's 2023 arrest, their lawyer said. Khan is on trial on similar charges, being tried separately. The government accuses him and other leaders of inciting the May 9, 2023, protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the residence of a senior commander in Lahore. The prosecution is still presenting witnesses in Khan's proceedings, and Tuesday's verdict does not directly affect his case. The sentences, issued in a jail trial in Lahore, are among a series of prosecutions involving Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Defence lawyer Burhan Moazzam said they would appeal. 'It is surprising that six people were acquitted while eight were convicted, even though they were all charged under the same allegations,' he said. The case relates to one of several incidents stemming from the May 9 unrest, involving alleged incitement during attacks near a major intersection in Lahore. Moazzam said separate trials were ongoing in connection with other incidents that day. Those sentenced include senior PTI figures who held positions in Khan's Punjab government: Yasmin Rashid, a former provincial health minister; Ejaz Chaudhry, a senator; Mehmoodur Rashid, a former housing minister; and Umar Sarfraz Cheema, a former provincial governor and aide to Khan. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The court also acquitted PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi who is in custody in connection with other cases, and it was not immediately clear whether the acquittal would lead to his release. Commenting on the verdict, junior law minister Aqeel Malik told local media the decision was 'in line with the law and the constitution.' Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022, remains in prison facing multiple cases, including charges of corruption, contempt, and disclosure of official secrets. He denies wrongdoing and says the cases are politically motivated. The military denies targeting PTI. Authorities say the May 9 violence caused billions in damage and led to over 3,000 arrests in Punjab. REUTERS
International Business Times
an hour ago
- International Business Times
Republicans Move to Subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell for Testimony Over Jeffrey Epstein Files Risking Trump's Wrath
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee is planning "seek to subpoena" convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell to testify in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case "as expeditiously as possible," a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday. The move could anger Trump. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) had urged Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) to call the jailed British socialite to testify. Comer responded by asking Burchett to formally introduce a motion, which was then passed by the committee through a voice vote. "Since Ms. Maxwell is in federal prison, the Committee will work with the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to identify a date when Committee can depose her," a committee rep said. Twist in the Tale X Despite demands from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, House Republican leadership has so far blocked efforts to release more details related to Epstein, the convicted pedophile who was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell on August 10, 2019. Earlier on Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that he had contacted Maxwell's legal team and planned to meet with her "in the coming days" to "hear what she has to say." Ghislaine Maxwell wuth Jeffery Epstein Instagram Maxwell's lawyer later confirmed that discussions with the Justice Department have taken place. Alan Dershowitz, a former attorney for Epstein, has claimed that Maxwell is fully aware of all of Epstein's disturbing crimes, calling her the "Rosetta Stone" of the long-running investigation. The Epstein case burst back onto front pages after a joint memo issued by the Justice Department and FBI on July 6, which concluded that the 66-year-old financier died by suicide in jail and that there was no "client list" of influential people involved in his crimes against underage girls—despite ongoing public speculation. Trouble for Trump The move could anger Trump as he had blasted the controversy as a "hoax" and slammed a segment of his own base for obsessing over it. Meanwhile, Democrats have seized the opportunity to capitalize on the issue, frequently pressuring Republicans to take a clear stance. Maxwell with Epstein US District Attorney's Office "We're not going to play political games with this," House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters Tuesday. "We want any individual who has been involved in any way in the Epstein evils to be brought to justice as quickly as possible." On Monday evening, Republicans abruptly paused a House Rules Committee session as Democrats prepared to push for a vote to make the Epstein files public. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell Twitter Given that the House Rules Committee acts as the main gatekeeper for most legislation heading to a floor vote, the Republican leadership has been unable to move forward with other planned bills ahead of the August recess. On Tuesday, House GOP leaders announced that no further votes would take place after Wednesday afternoon. Just last week, the Trump administration requested a federal judge's approval to unseal grand jury testimony related to the cases of both Epstein and Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence following her conviction for sex trafficking and conspiracy.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Trump may travel to China to meet Xi in ‘not-too-distant future'
Find out what's new on ST website and app. US President Donald Trump (centre) was speaking on July 22, during a White House meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (left). WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on July 22 that he may visit China soon for a landmark trip to address simmering trade and security tensions between the superpower rivals. 'President Xi has invited me to China, and we'll probably be doing that in the not-too-distant future,' Mr Trump told reporters in the White House's Oval Office. 'A little bit out, but not too distant. And I've been invited by a lot of people, and we'll make those decisions pretty soon.' Mr Trump and Mr Xi's aides have discussed a potential meeting between the leaders during a trip by the US president to Asia later this year, Reuters has reported, citing two people familiar with the plans. While plans for a meeting have not been finalised, discussions on both sides of the Pacific have included a possible Trump stopover around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea or talks on the sidelines of the Oct 30-Nov 1 event, the people said. Another possible trip would be for a Sept 3 Beijing ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russian President Vladimir Putin also plans to attend. Meetings between Mr Trump and Mr Xi or Mr Putin would be the first face-to-face encounters between the men since Mr Trump's inauguration on Jan 20 for his second term in office. The White House and the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry have declined to comment on the Reuters report. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving Global rivals Mr Trump made the comment about meeting Mr Xi during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, a key Pacific ally who Mr Trump said he had nudged away from China. 'The country was maybe tilting toward China for a period of time, but we un-tilted it very, very quickly,' Mr Trump said. Mr Trump added: 'I don't mind if he gets along with China because we're getting along with China very well.' Mr Marcos, who took office in 2022, has for years sought US support as his country's maritime disputes worsen with China. Manila has sought to avoid direct confrontation with its larger neighbour, which claims most of the South China Sea as its own territory. The US and the Philippines have a seven-decade-old collective defence treaty, potentially implicating Washington in a clash between China and the Philippines. Washington sees Beijing as its key strategic rival globally. Upon taking office, Mr Trump launched a tit-for-tat tariff war with China that has upended global trade and supply chains. Other points of friction between the countries include China's support for Russia, the illicit opioid trade, China's growing pressure on Taiwan and exit bans on some American residents. In recent weeks, Mr Trump has sought to lower tensions, describing his personal relations with Mr Xi as healthy. A 2019 photo shows US President Donald Trump meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping at a G-20 leaders summit in Japan. PHOTO: REUTERS Mr Trump has sought to impose tariffs on virtually all foreign goods, including both China and US allies in Asia like the Philippines. He says this will stimulate domestic manufacturing, but critics say many consumer goods will become more expensive for Americans. The president has called for a universal base tariff rate of 10 per cent on goods imported from all countries, with higher rates for some. Imports from China have the highest tariff rate of 55 per cent. Mr Trump has set a deadline of Aug 12 for the US and China to reach a durable tariff agreement. REUTERS
