In a police operation, a group of Thais and Chinese individuals were detained following a raid on a suspected fraudulent organization.
Fresh Take:
A 31-strong gang of Thais and Chinese nationals, suspected of swindling mule bank account holders and brutal physical assaults, were nabbed in Chon Buri, Rayong, and Samut Prakan provinces. The arrests were announced by Poj Maj Gen Athip Pongsiwapai, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, on Thursday.
During the arrests, the police seized 49 bank books, 49 ATM cards, 66 mobile devices, two laptops, three cars, two motorcycles, valuables, and around 1 million baht in cash. They are accused of fraud, money laundering, and unlawful assembly.
The gang allegedly used various deceitful methods – phony sales platforms, investment schemes, job offers, and even criminal allegations – to ensnare victims. Previous victims had lodged 291 complaints against the gang with the police.
The gang also manipulated innocent individuals into opening mule accounts in Rayong. These account holders were forced to withdraw or transfer money from ATMs, which were then recorded through face scans. Those who resisted were met with violence.
Pol Col Supote Phumyam, chief of Technology Crime Suppression Sub-division 2, revealed that Thai suspects claimed a Chinese man hired them to work for the gang, causing mule account owners to withdraw 1 million to 2 million baht in cash daily.
One of the Chinese chief suspects, Zhengdong, 40, was caught at Suvarnabhumi airport before fleeing Thailand. He was identified as a high-level member of the gang, according to Pol Col Supote.
Although these raids are primarily associated with the aforementioned provinces, similar criminal activities frequently surface across Thailand, leading to severe charges like public fraud and money laundering. Be cautious, folks. Stay savvy, stay safe.
- The Tech Crime Suppression Division, following the arrests of a 31-strong gang, revealed that they have been using various technology-based methods, such as phony sales platforms and investment schemes, to commit fraud and money laundering, which fall under the category of general-news and crime-and-justice.
- Meanwhile, as security forces continue to combat such tech-driven criminal activities in Chon Buri, Rayong, and Samut Prakan provinces, similar cases of virtual swindling and physical assaults have been reported across Thailand, indicating the need for increased vigilance in online activities, making it essential for everyone to remain aware in today's technologically advanced world, which remains under the same categories of general-news and crime-and-justice.
