KOH PHANGAN — Thai authorities, working with Australian Federal Police, have arrested a German man who was part of an online fraud network that scammed Australians and had been hiding on Koh Phangan island. Assets worth over 19.1 million baht ($585,035) were seized in the operation.
The arrest took place on July 8, when 54-year-old German national David was apprehended under a Pathum Thani Provincial Court warrant dated June 19, 2025. He faces charges of defrauding Australians through online scam networks and inputting false computer data that could cause public harm.
Investigations revealed that David had converted assets obtained through fraud into digital currency and fled to hide in Koh Phangan district. He was supported by a group of Thai nationals who helped him establish four nominee companies in the area.
Police obtained court warrants to search all four companies: Choco Villa in Koh Phangan, a law office, Montana Reality Company, and a house in Village 6, Mae Nam sub-district.
Authorities seized and froze assets worth approximately 19.1 million baht believed to have been obtained through money laundering, including:
- Digital assets (cryptocurrency) in one account worth 8.04 million baht ($246,265)
- Bank account funds in four accounts worth 6.23 million baht ($190,825)
- One land title deed worth 1.5 million baht ($45,945)
- Four cars and motorcycles worth 2.26 million baht ($69,225)
- 13 luxury watches worth 605,000 baht ($18,530)
- Cash totaling 495,000 baht ($15,160)
- Two computers and notebooks
Computer searches revealed scripts used to deceive and solicit investments in fake stocks, matching the methods used to defraud Australian victims. Data on individual victims who had been scammed was also found.
On July 8, police summoned individuals believed to be part of the suspect’s network who supported and assisted in establishing the four companies: Chesapeake Ross Co., Ltd., Montana Reality Co., Ltd., Laguna Cliff Co., Ltd., and Gollum Co., Ltd. They are being questioned regarding nominee company operations and the use of nominees in business activities.
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