Latest news with #CCIB
Associated Press
9 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Métis Crossing celebrates national recognition of long-time board member Art Cunningham
CCIB's 2025 Award for Excellence in Indigenous Relations shines a spotlight on decades of bridge-building and community leadership 'This award is a reflection of countless Elders, entrepreneurs, and community partners who trusted me enough to sit at the table together, often over bannock and coffee, to imagine something better.'— Art Cunningham, Métis Crossing Board Member SMOKY LAKE, ALBERTA, CANADA, July 14, 2025 / / -- Métis Crossing proudly congratulates long-time board member and respected Métis leader Art Cunningham on being named the 2025 recipient of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) Award for Excellence in Indigenous Relations. Art's recognition is especially meaningful to us, for more than two decades, he has guided Métis Crossing from vision to vibrant reality, offering strategic insight and genuine warmth at every step. Since 2011, the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) has presented the Award for Excellence in Indigenous Relations to honour an individual who 'has made exceptional contributions to fostering positive and meaningful relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.' Past recipients include former prime minister Paul Martin, reconciliation champion Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, and energy leader Mark Little, underscoring the award's national prestige. 'I've always believed strong relationships grow from listening first and acting with integrity,' says Cunningham. 'This award is a reflection of countless Elders, entrepreneurs, and community partners who trusted me enough to sit at the table together, often over bannock and coffee, to imagine something better.' Cunningham's 35-year career includes three decades with TC Energy as Senior Indigenous Corporate Policy Advisor and, more recently, leadership of his own firm, Roundtable Consulting. Along the way, he has championed projects that respect the land, create opportunity, and celebrate Indigenous culture. Art's journey is woven into Métis Crossing's own. From shaping the early vision of a cultural gathering place to advising on everything from land stewardship to guest experience, he has always led with community at heart. Beyond his work with Métis Crossing, he mentors emerging Métis professionals, volunteers with Alberta's Circle for Aboriginal Relations (CFAR), and champions cultural programs that share Métis heritage with visitors. 'Art brings empathy, business savvy, and a bit of good-natured humour to every challenge,' says Juanita Marois, CEO of Métis Crossing. 'His guidance has helped us grow responsibly while staying true to Métis values. This recognition feels like the whole country saying maarsii for the work he's poured into reconciliation.' Cunningham will be formally honoured at CCIB's West Coast Business Forum & Awards Dinner on October 9, 2025, in Vancouver, B.C. Join us in congratulating Art Cunningham, and experience the welcoming spirit he helped create at Métis Crossing. Plan your visit at About Métis Crossing Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural destination, located along the scenic North Saskatchewan River, just over an hour northeast of Edmonton. Guests connect with Métis stories through immersive cultural experiences, wildlife tours, and year-round programming that celebrates Métis history, traditions, and artistry. For more information, visit Media Contact: Lisa Martin Communications Manager, Métis Crossing +1 780-555-1234 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Thai authorities move to clip the wings of Cambodia's casino kingpin
BANGKOK: Many view Thailand's crackdown on online scam kingpins as a welcome move, but some argue it might never have happened if the Shinawatras and the Huns hadn't fallen out. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), from January 1 to July 9, 2025, Thailand recorded 175,477 online crime cases, averaging 919 cases per day. Of these, 31,107 were reported online and 15,407 were filed directly with authorities. The total financial damage is estimated at 14.87 billion baht (US$459,028,721), with only two per cent (approximately 295.8 million baht) successfully frozen in time. The most common scams were online purchase fraud (56 per cent), money transfer scams (26 per cent) and loan fraud (seven per cent). Authorities noted that more than 80 per cent of Thai victims were lured by networks based in Poipet, Cambodia, not from minority controlled areas of Myanmar as previously suspected. In response, the CCIB launched a nationwide crackdown, dubbed 'Operation Mule Account Takedown: Hunt for Cambodian Financiers,' raiding 19 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi in a coordinated effort to dismantle mule account operations and trace funding sources. Thai authorities raided a residence in a housing estate in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where an arrest warrant had been issued for Kok An (pic), the Cambodian casino mogul and owner of the Crown Casino Resort in Poipet. Kok An, who controls multiple high-rise casino towers—including a 25-storey and an 18-storey building in Poipet—has been accused of running a massive call centre scam operation targeting Thai citizens. He is now wanted for involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and money laundering. Thai police coordinated with the Criminal Court to secure the search warrant and are now working with Interpol to issue a red notice for Kok An and his network. Authorities are also preparing for a joint meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seek the Attorney-General's approval for international prosecution. Kok An is widely known not only as a powerful figure in Cambodia's gambling sector but also for his close ties to Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. He is also reportedly connected to Ly Yong Phat. Both men are considered major revenue sources for the Cambodian regime. The raid in Bang Phli—believed to be one of Kok An's private residences—has raised suspicions about Ly Yong Phat's own involvement. Authorities are now monitoring his Bangkok property for possible links to the scam network. Originally from Hainan, China, Kok An was raised in Phnom Penh. He first made his fortune selling cigarettes, capitalising on the high demand among Cambodians. His success enabled him to expand into the lucrative casino business, establishing Crown Casino in Poipet—one of the closest gambling hubs to Thailand. The resort's strategic location near the Thai border made it especially popular among Thai patrons, many travelling directly from Bangkok. A significant portion of revenue from Kok An's operations is believed to have supported the Cambodian government until now. Ly Yong Phat is a Chinese-Cambodian tycoon with humble beginnings. He once earned a living ferrying boats to buy cigarettes and worked under Kok An before climbing the ranks. He later became a petrol station employee, then a business owner, eventually marrying Kok An's cousin, solidifying his connection to one of Cambodia's most powerful casino families. Ly Yong Phat's economic stronghold is Koh Kong, a province adjacent to Thailand's Trat border via the Hat Lek checkpoint. Koh Kong is home to his sprawling casino, hotel and resort empire. Although both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat amassed vast fortunes from gambling ventures, their operations have also incurred heavy losses. Still, gambling is only part of their financial empire—they hold monopolies in various sectors across Cambodia. Importantly, their influence stretches beyond Cambodia's elite. Both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat are known to maintain connections with prominent Thai figures, including politicians (past and present), business leaders, government officials and police officers. Currently, both men's operations are facing sharp declines due to tighter Thai border control measures. Thailand's restricted border opening hours, enhanced screening protocols and limits on cross-border tourism have significantly reduced foot traffic to Cambodian casinos. At the Or Samet checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey, opposite Thailand's Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin province, one of Ly Yong Phat's other casino sites now sees barely any Thai visitors. The once-bustling area is now quiet. Behind the checkpoint, large-scale construction is nearly complete—multiple buildings designed for accommodation and office use now stand at over 90 per cent completion. The entire compound is surrounded by high metal fences and barbed wire, underlining the high-security nature of the site. The once-close relationship between former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen appears to have collapsed following the leaked audio clip of a conversation involving current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The call, which centred on reopening border checkpoints amid a tense Thai-Cambodian standoff, has exposed deeper geopolitical rifts—and potentially criminal entanglements—on both sides of the border. 'I used to consider Hun Sen a brother, but after what he did to my daughter, I was in shock,' Thaksin told an audience during a speech at the '55 Years of Nation: Breaking Thailand's Deadlock' forum on the evening of July 9, 2025. According to Thaksin, Paetongtarn had gone to meet Khliang Huot, a close aide to Hun Sen, at the Rosewood Hotel, where a call with Hun Sen was arranged. Present at the meeting were Deputy PM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiamphongsa and Prime Minister's Secretary-General Dr Prommin Lertsuridej. 'She waited almost three hours. They claimed he was asleep. Eventually, she and the team left. But not long after, Hun Sen called her directly on her private line. I suspect he wasn't asleep at all—but had prepared to record the conversation, I believe he knew we had the defence and foreign ministers present, which makes it all the more frustrating that he could go through with something like this.' Thaksin said, questioning Hun Sen's motive. Thaksin also reignited scrutiny of Cambodian casinos allegedly being used as bases for Thai-targeted call centre scams. 'Do you remember? I said that the 25-storey tower was a call centre hub. Our police investigated and found evidence. Now it's clear that Cambodia's economy has profited by deceiving Thais,' he said. He also linked the network to Huione, a company blacklisted in the US for money laundering. According to Thaksin, a major shareholder is a Chinese national believed to be laundering money globally, with Hun Sen's nephew, Hun To, listed among the shareholders. Just days before, on July 4, Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) held an urgent meeting chaired by acting PM and Interior Minister Phumtham, alongside senior defence and intelligence officials. The talks focused on coordinating the reopening of all border checkpoints simultaneously and withdrawing heavy weaponry from border areas. Although Thailand had finalised its proposals and was ready to sign, Cambodia reportedly insisted that Thailand open its side five hours ahead of Cambodia—a condition attributed to orders from Hun Sen and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Only then, Cambodia said, would it match the withdrawal of troops and weapons. The growing dispute has placed the Shinawatra-Hun family relationship under the spotlight, revealing how a previously personal alliance is now at the centre of national sovereignty, political narrative and criminal investigations. Thai authorities have since launched a series of aggressive operations targeting online fraud, transnational crime, money laundering, and call centre gangs. These networks have cost Thai citizens billions of baht, and the trail is now visibly linked to Cambodian power figures. The sudden intensification of law enforcement raises a provocative question: Would these crackdowns on high-level crime have been possible if Thaksin and Hun Sen's alliance had remained intact? Ultimately, it has reignited a familiar phrase in Thai political circles: 'There is nothing Thai police don't know—only what they choose to act on.' While cross-border crime didn't start in 2025, Thais have endured its consequences for years. Now, with alliances broken and truths exposed, the question remains—will justice finally follow? - The Nation/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Thai authorities move to clip wings of Cambodia's casino kingpin
BANGKOK: Many view the crackdown on online scam kingpins as a welcome move, but some argue it might never have happened if the Shinawatras and the Huns hadn't fallen out. According to the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), from Jan 1 to July 9, 2025, Thailand recorded 175,477 online crime cases, averaging 919 cases per day. Of these, 31,107 were reported online and 15,407 were filed directly with authorities. The total financial damage is estimated at 14.87 billion baht, with only 2% (approximately 295.8 million baht) successfully frozen in time. The most common scams were: Online purchase fraud (56%) Money transfer scams (26%) Loan fraud (7%) Other types of deception Authorities noted that more than 80% of Thai victims were lured by networks based in Poipet, Cambodia, not from minority-controlled areas of Myanmar as previously suspected. In response, the CCIB launched a nationwide crackdown, dubbed 'Operation Mule Account Takedown: Hunt for Cambodian Financiers,' raiding 19 locations across Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi in a coordinated effort to dismantle mule account operations and trace funding sources. Thai authorities raided a residence in a housing estate in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, where an arrest warrant had been issued for Kok An, the Cambodian casino mogul and owner of the Crown Casino Resort in Poipet. Kok An, who controls multiple high-rise casino towers—including a 25-storey and an 18-storey building in Poipet—has been accused of running a massive call centre scam operation targeting Thai citizens. He is now wanted for involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and money laundering. Thai police coordinated with the Criminal Court to secure the search warrant and are now working with Interpol to issue a red notice for Kok An and his network. Authorities are also preparing for a joint meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to seek the Attorney-General's approval for international prosecution. Kok An is widely known not only as a powerful figure in Cambodia's gambling sector but also for his close ties to Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate. He is also reportedly connected to Ly Yong Phat. Both men are considered major revenue sources for the Cambodian regime. The raid in Bang Phli—believed to be one of Kok An's private residences—has raised suspicions about Ly Yong Phat's own involvement. Authorities are now monitoring his Bangkok property for possible links to the scam network. Originally from Hainan, China, Kok An was raised in Phnom Penh. He first made his fortune selling cigarettes, capitalising on the high demand among Cambodians. His success enabled him to expand into the lucrative casino business, establishing Crown Casino in Poipet — one of the closest gambling hubs to Thailand. The resort's strategic location near the Thai border made it especially popular among Thai patrons, many travelling directly from Bangkok. A significant portion of revenue from Kok An's operations is believed to have supported the Cambodian government until now. Ly Yong Phat is a Chinese-Cambodian tycoon with humble beginnings. He once earned a living ferrying boats to buy cigarettes and worked under Kok An before climbing the ranks. He later became a petrol station employee, then a business owner, eventually marrying Kok An's cousin, solidifying his connection to one of Cambodia's most powerful casino families. Ly Yong Phat's economic stronghold is Koh Kong, a province adjacent to Thailand's Trat border via the Hat Lek checkpoint. Koh Kong is home to his sprawling casino, hotel, and resort empire. Although both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat amassed vast fortunes from gambling ventures, their operations have also incurred heavy losses. Still, gambling is only part of their financial empire—they hold monopolies in various sectors across Cambodia. Importantly, their influence stretches beyond Cambodia's elite. Both Kok An and Ly Yong Phat are known to maintain connections with prominent Thai figures, including politicians (past and present), business leaders, government officials, and police officers. Currently, both men's operations are facing sharp declines due to tighter Thai border control measures. Thailand's restricted border opening hours, enhanced screening protocols, and limits on cross-border tourism have significantly reduced foot traffic to Cambodian casinos. At the Or Samet checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey, opposite Thailand's Chong Chom checkpoint in Surin province, one of Ly Yong Phat's other casino sites now sees barely any Thai visitors. The once-bustling area is now quiet. Behind the checkpoint, large-scale construction is nearly complete—multiple buildings designed for accommodation and office use now stand at over 90% completion. The entire compound is surrounded by high metal fences and barbed wire, underlining the high-security nature of the site. The once-close relationship between former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen appears to have collapsed following the leaked audio clip of a conversation involving current Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The call, which centred on reopening border checkpoints amid a tense Thai-Cambodian standoff, has exposed deeper geopolitical rifts—and potentially criminal entanglements—on both sides of the border. 'I used to consider Hun Sen a brother, but after what he did to my daughter, I was in shock,' Thaksin told an audience during a speech at the '55 Years of Nation: Breaking Thailand's Deadlock' forum on the evening of July 9, 2025. According to Thaksin, Paetongtarn had gone to meet Khliang Huot at the Rosewood Hotel, where a call with Hun Sen was arranged. Present at the meeting were Deputy PM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiamphongsa, and Prime Minister's Secretary-General Dr Prommin Lertsuridej. 'She waited almost three hours. They claimed he was asleep. Eventually, she and the team left. But not long after, Hun Sen called her directly on her private line. I suspect he wasn't asleep at all—but had prepared to record the conversation, I believe he knew we had the defence and foreign ministers present, which makes it all the more frustrating that he could go through with something like this.' Thaksin said, questioning Hun Sen's motive. Thaksin also reignited scrutiny of Cambodian casinos allegedly being used as bases for Thai-targeted call centre scams. 'Do you remember? I said that the 25-storey tower was a call centre hub. Our police investigated and found evidence. Now it's clear that Cambodia's economy has profited by deceiving Thais,' he said. He also linked the network to Huione, a company blacklisted in the US for money laundering. According to Thaksin, a major shareholder is a Chinese national believed to be laundering money globally, with Hun Sen's nephew, Hun To, listed among the shareholders. Just days before, on July 4, Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) held an urgent meeting chaired by acting PM and Interior Minister Phumtham, alongside senior defence and intelligence officials. The talks focused on coordinating the reopening of all border checkpoints simultaneously and withdrawing heavy weaponry from border areas. Although Thailand had finalised its proposals and was ready to sign, Cambodia reportedly insisted that Thailand open its side five hours ahead of Cambodia—a condition attributed to orders from Hun Sen and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Only then, Cambodia said, would it match the withdrawal of troops and weapons. The growing dispute has placed the Shinawatra-Hun family relationship under the spotlight, revealing how a previously personal alliance is now at the centre of national sovereignty, political narrative, and criminal investigations. Thai authorities have since launched a series of aggressive operations targeting online fraud, transnational crime, money laundering, and call centre gangs. These networks have cost Thai citizens billions of baht, and the trail is now visibly linked to Cambodian power figures. The sudden intensification of law enforcement raises a provocative question: Would these crackdowns on high-level crime have been possible if Thaksin and Hun Sen's alliance had remained intact? Ultimately, it has reignited a familiar phrase in Thai political circles: 'There is nothing Thai police don't know—only what they choose to act on.' While cross-border crime didn't start in 2025, Thais have endured its consequences for years. Now, with alliances broken and truths exposed, the question remains—will justice finally follow? - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Cyber police apprehend 6 in international fraud bust
The cyber police have arrested six suspects in a transnational fraud ring that used fake email invoices to trick a major Japanese company into transferring more than 228 million baht to a Thai bank account. Authorities were able to freeze 215 million baht before it was laundered and are now working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the US to expand the investigation. Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piewpan, commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), said the operation, codenamed "Money Cash Back," marks Thailand's largest financial recovery effort in a cyber fraud case. The scam began with hackers intercepting email communications between a Japanese firm and its overseas supplier. The perpetrators created a fake but nearly identical domain and sent a counterfeit invoice instructing the company to transfer funds to a Thai account. The money was wired on April 25, and a suspect identified only as Weerakarn, withdrew 13 million baht within 30 minutes before banks froze the accounts and alerted the CCIB. The receiving company was registered in Lat Krabang district and falsely claimed to be in the automotive trade. The investigation uncovered ties to Annest Onyebuchi, a Nigerian national, and his Thai wife. Another key figure, identified only as Ibrahim, a 51-year-old Ghanaian, was arrested in Nonthaburi for coordinating with local accomplices and attempting to destroy evidence. The suspects face charges including fraud, computer crime, money laundering, illegal use of electronic accounts, and participation in a transnational criminal organisation. Authorities also raided a company in the Sathorn area, used to launder funds and uncovered attempts to move another 100 million baht.
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Cyber cops apprehend 6 in international fraud bust
The cyber police have arrested six suspects in a transnational fraud ring that used fake email invoices to trick a major Japanese company into transferring more than 228 million baht to a Thai bank account. Authorities were able to freeze 215 million baht before it was laundered and are now working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the US to expand the investigation. Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piewpan, commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), said the operation, codenamed "Money Cash Back," marks Thailand's largest financial recovery effort in a cyber fraud case. The scam began with hackers intercepting email communications between a Japanese firm and its overseas supplier. The perpetrators created a fake but nearly identical domain and sent a counterfeit invoice instructing the company to transfer funds to a Thai account. The money was wired on April 25, and a suspect identified only as Weerakarn, withdrew 13 million baht within 30 minutes before banks froze the accounts and alerted the CCIB. The receiving company was registered in Lat Krabang district and falsely claimed to be in the automotive trade. The investigation uncovered ties to Annest Onyebuchi, a Nigerian national, and his Thai wife. Another key figure, identified only as Ibrahim, a 51-year-old Ghanaian, was arrested in Nonthaburi for coordinating with local accomplices and attempting to destroy evidence. The suspects face charges including fraud, computer crime, money laundering, illegal use of electronic accounts, and participation in a transnational criminal organisation. Authorities also raided a company in the Sathorn area, used to launder funds and uncovered attempts to move another 100 million baht. Police are coordinating with the FBI to trace the email spoofing network. Pol Lt Gen Trairong urged businesses to double-check any financial changes received via email to avoid falling victim to BEC (Business Email Compromise) fraud, which is spreading globally.
