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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Thai police uncover two Chinese-led online fraud rings in latest blitz against scammers
BANGKOK (The Nation Thailand/ANN): 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. 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 THAILAND/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Thai police uncover two Chinese-led online fraud rings
Find out what's new on ST website and app. 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
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Indian Express
80,000 nude files, Rs 102 crore in extortion: How a sex scandal toppled Thailand's top monks
It started with a whisper inside temple walls. A respected abbot vanished overnight. Rumours swirled — of sex, blackmail, and betrayal. And then came the name: Wilawan Emsawat. But what started as a string of silenced scandals has now exploded into a national reckoning. Nine senior monks — abbots, no less — have been defrocked. Others are in hiding. Here is what happened? and how it came out? Wilawan Emsawat, also known as 'Ms Golf', was arrested this week from her luxury home in Nonthaburi, just outside Bangkok. In her mid-30s, Wilawan is accused of orchestrating a massive blackmail racket targeting Buddhist monks across Thailand. Police say she seduced monks, recorded intimate moments with them, and extorted large sums of money to keep the videos private. She's been charged with extortion, money laundering, and receiving stolen property. Investigators found thousands of explicit photos and videos involving monks on her devices, which were allegedly used for blackmail over a period of three years. Wilawan has not yet commented fully on the charges against her, and it remains unclear whether she has legal representation. However, as per The Guardian, in a televised interview with Thai media on Wednesday, she acknowledged having romantic relationships with two monks and a religious scholar. She claimed the men lavished her with expensive gifts — including a Mercedes-Benz SLK200, large bank transfers, and even a personal debit card. While speaking candidly, Wilawan expressed remorse over the entanglements, admitting she had genuinely fallen in love. The Royal Thai Police say Wilawan extorted approximately 385 million baht (Rs 102 crore) over the last few years. Her operation reportedly followed a pattern — she would befriend the monk, lure him into a relationship, obtain compromising material, and then begin making financial demands. Some monks admitted to falling in love with her; one said she gave him a car. 'We checked her financial trail and found that it involves many temples,' an official from the Thai police's central investigation bureau told a press briefing on Tuesday, The Guardian reported. 'After we seized her mobile, we checked and found that there are several monks involved, and several clips and Line chats,' he added, referring to the popular messaging app. According to the BBC, over 80,000 nude images and videos were recovered, including footage shot in Wilawan's home. Authorities say the money was partly funneled into illegal online gambling. The scandal first surfaced in mid-June when the abbot of the prestigious Wat Tri Thotsathep monastery abruptly left the monkhood. Police now say he was one of Wilawan's targets and fled after being blackmailed, with a a demand of 7 million baht in child support. Wilawan has since claimed that he fathered her child. So far, nine monks — including several abbots — have been defrocked, and at least two have gone into hiding. A Thai senate committee is considering a controversial legal amendment to criminalise women who have sex with monks — a proposal that has triggered criticism from gender rights advocates. Bangkok Post columnist Sanitsuda Ekachai condemned the narrative framing monks as victims and women as seductresses. She pointed out that traditional Buddhist teachings in Thailand often portray women as threats to male spiritual purity — a belief that has long blocked women from becoming fully ordained monks (Bhikkhunis). 'Women have long been depicted in mainstream teachings as 'enemies' of monks' spiritual purity. Some temple murals even show them as snakes. That's why the clergy still bans women from Bhikkhuni ordination.' 'This scandal exposes a system of lies and hypocrisy among senior monks,' Ekachai wrote. 'The sheer number suggests this isn't an isolated case. It's business as usual behind temple walls.' Religious scholars say the core issue lies in the rigid hierarchical structure of the monkhood, which discourages whistleblowing. 'It is an authoritarian system similar to the Thai bureaucracy where senior monks are like high-ranking officials and junior monks are their subordinates,' religious scholar Suraphot Thaweesak told BBC Thai. 'When they see something inappropriate, they do not dare to speak up because it is very easy to be kicked out of the temple.' More than 90% of Thais identify as Buddhists, with over 200,000 monks and nearly 85,000 novices at any time. While scandals involving monks and misconduct are not new, the sheer scale and seniority of this case has triggered wider concerns about corruption, moral decay, and unchecked power within Thailand's Buddhist clergy. The Sangha Supreme Council, the governing body of Thai Buddhism, has now announced it will form a special committee to review disciplinary codes for monks. Meanwhile, the Thai government is considering tougher laws that could impose jail time and fines on monks who violate monastic codes. In a sign of royal disapproval, King Vajiralongkorn revoked royal titles conferred to 81 monks, citing their misconduct as damaging to the faith and mental well-being of the public. (With inputs from BBC, The Guardian, AP)
NHK
5 days ago
- Politics
- NHK
Thailand launches nationwide crackdown on drugs
Thailand is launching a nationwide effort to crack down on illegal drugs. The operation is being called "No Drugs No Dealers." It involves the governors of Bangkok and all 76 provinces, as well the Royal Thai Police. The plan is to disrupt supply chains, seize the assets of producers, identify users for treatment and support, and foster cooperation across national borders. It comes amid a rise in health and social problems among the country's young people as a result of drugs. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said: "Drugs are a threat that has long undermined our nation. The drug problem is therefore a national issue that the government is determined to eradicate from Thailand." The government believes much of the production takes place in the so-called "Golden Triangle," which straddles the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says 130 tons of methamphetamine were seized in Thailand last year. It was the first time the amount exceeded 100 tons. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that drugs are being widely bought and sold online in the form of tablets, known as "Yaba."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Woman Allegedly Had Sex with Buddhist Monks — and then Blackmailed Them for More than $11M: Authorities
NEED TO KNOW A Thai woman has been arrested and charged with extortion after investigators allege she blackmailed a handful of monks Thai police allege the woman blackmailed the monks after having sexual relationships with them Authorities allege that the 35-year-old woman received roughly $11.9 million in blackmail payments over the last three yearsPolice in Thailand have arrested a woman who allegedly seduced a group of Buddhist monks, had sexual relationships with them and then blackmailed them. Wilawan Emsawat was arrested Tuesday at her home in the Nonthaburi province north of Bangkok and charged with extortion, money laundering and receiving stolen goods, according to the Associated Press, Sky News, and The Times. According to the outlets, the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau said it began investigating the 35-year-old woman after an abbot – the head of a monastery – at a temple in Bangkok had abruptly given up his vocation and left the country last month. Investigators discovered that Emsawat had allegedly been attempting to blackmail the abbot, telling him that she became pregnant after their secret sexual encounter, asking him to pay roughly $222,000 to help with the pregnancy, according to the AP. The Times reported that the abbot fled to Laos after he refused to pay Emsawat and she began telling other monks about their intimacy, which is forbidden under the religious figures' code of celibacy. The outlet reported that authorities then seized five of Emsawat's phones during its investigation and discovered videos and images of her engaging in sexual acts with a number of monks. The AP reported that investigators found 'tens of thousands of photos and videos' on the devices, as well as chats between her and several monks that indicate they had intimate relationships. In total, the outlets reported that nine abbots and senior monks have stepped down from their roles or been thrown out of the monkhood in relation to Emsawat's case. Overall, authorities say Emsawat had received roughly $11.9 million in payments over the last three years – most of which, investigators claim, has been spent on online gambling websites, according to the AP. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Sky News reported that the Thai government has now vowed to expand its investigation as concern about monks breaking celibacy vows has grown across the country. "We will investigate monks across the country," Central Investigation Bureau deputy commissioner Jaroonkiat Pankaew said, according to the outlet. "I believe that the ripple effects of this investigation will lead to a lot of changes." Read the original article on People
