Thai Police Net 14,000 in Online Fraud Sweep

Over 14,000 people were detained by Thai authorities as part of a massive campaign against online fraud.

The operation, which lasted seven months, concentrated on investment fraud schemes, call center frauds, and illicit gambling websites.

Additionally, 4.5 billion baht ($122.2 million) in assets linked to the illicit activities were frozen by the police. How these funds can be returned to victims is still being discussed with the Anti-Money Laundering Office.

The deputy police spokeswoman, Siriwat Depor, attributed the focus on combating cyber crime to both acting police head Kittirat Panpet and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. According to what he said, arrests took place between October 2023 and April 2024.

The crackdown extended beyond apprehensions. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission and the police collaborated to remove illegal border communication equipment that was being exploited by criminals.

Authorities are also keeping an eye on cash transactions and closing dubious accounts in an effort to undermine the financial networks supporting these crimes.

Original Story by: Asian Gaming Brief