BANGKOK — Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched Operation Firestorm to dismantle a transnational scammer network involving Australian, British, Canadian, and South African nationals that had duped people out of at least 2 million Australian dollars (about $1.3 million).
Officials from both countries announced the arrest results at Central Investigation Bureau headquarters in Bangkok on June 17, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, CIB Commander, and Ms. Kristie-Lee Cressy, Senior Officer of the Australian Federal Police.
20-Year Criminal Operation
Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop revealed that AFP investigators discovered a criminal group that had been defrauding Australian citizens for 20 years. While some members were recently arrested in Indonesia, the British and Australian gang leaders escaped to Thailand and established a “boiler room” call center operation.
The network’s call center lured Australian citizens into bond investments promising high returns of 7-10% annually over 1-3 years. When AFP discovered the operation, they requested CIB cooperation for a joint investigation.
Ms. Kristie stated that Australia has seen numerous victims in scam cases, with damages exceeding 4.45 billion Australian dollars over the past four years. Money laundering was conducted through cryptocurrency channels.
“Money that we say was stolen from hard-working Australians and not invested as promised. Shutting down this scam center is a significant win for the communities of Thailand and Australia,” she said.
Surveillance and Raid
Investigations revealed gang members had been in Pattaya since early 2024 before relocating to Bangkok, with key figures meeting at a hotel on Chalem Phrakiat Rama 9 Road in Dok Mai, Prawet District.
Officers tracked the group to a residence in Moo 9, Bang Phli Yai Subdistrict, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. The house was listed for sale at 70 million baht or rental at 120,000 baht monthly, with lease terms until January 2026.
The one-rai (1,600 square-meter) property featured tight perimeter fencing, a dead-end location, CCTV cameras, and a covered garage with canvas screens that were opened and closed when vehicles entered or exited.
Surveillance showed four vehicles regularly entering around 5:00 a.m. and leaving around 3:30 p.m., matching Sydney business hours (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). The secretive behavior included covering vehicles when entering the garage to conceal occupants.
Computer Data Reveals Victims
Armed with a court search warrant, officers raided the residence on June 16 at approximately 8:30 a.m. They found foreign nationals seated in the ground floor hall, which had been converted into an office-like space with partitions, while suspects were actively making phone calls.
Each workstation contained computers, laptops, mobile phones, documents, conversation scripts, and materials about companies and bonds used to solicit investments, claiming legitimate overseas operations.
Computer data revealed over 14,000 Australian names currently being verified by AFP, with some confirmed as actual fraud victims. Preliminary investigations show damages exceeding 2 million Australian dollars (1.3 million USD or approximately 40 million baht).
British and Australian Ring Leaders
Immigration records showed none of the suspects had work permits in Thailand. When questioned, all admitted to lacking proper work authorization and could not produce valid documentation.
Operation Firestorm resulted in 13 foreign national arrests: 5 Australians, 6 British, 1 Canadian, and 1 South African. Key figures identified include Mr. Mark, 54, Australian national, and Mr. Mark Andrew, 56, British national, whom AFP identified as operation leaders.
Authorities seized 58 items of electronic equipment and documents, including computers, network equipment, laptops, investment solicitation scripts, and mobile phones. All suspects face charges for criminal conspiracy and illegal employment as temporary residents without proper authorization.
Defendants initially denied wrongdoing, claiming friends recruited them for regular work found through job websites offering 3,000 Australian dollars salary plus 2.5% commission for calling customers to solicit company investments from provided contact lists.
Pol. Col. Ploen Klinphayom, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, confirmed all 13 suspects entered Thailand on various visas without overstaying. Following legal proceedings, their visas will be revoked and they will be permanently blacklisted from re-entering Thailand.
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