CHIANG MAI — Thai Cyber Police have arrested a key manager of a Chinese hybrid scam network who used artificial intelligence to create an attractive digital persona to deceive victims out of nearly 46 million baht ($1.3 million) in fraudulent investments.
On December 3, Police Lieutenant General Jirapob Puridet led the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in announcing the arrest of Yuttachai (surname withheld), 26, in Chiang Mai Province. The suspect was apprehended while managing social media advertisements targeting potential victims in Turkey and Africa.
Yuttachai was among 20 suspects arrested in a coordinated operation dubbed “Annihilate Hybrid Scam” on December 2. The suspects face multiple charges including public fraud through identity theft, inputting false information into computer systems, participation in transnational organized crime, and money laundering.
Police Major General Athip Pongsiwapai, Commander of CCIB, revealed that the scammer network operated like a corporate entity, adapting their tactics to maximize profits. The operation primarily used romance scams combined with fraudulent investment schemes, known as “hybrid scams.”
According to investigators, the scheme began in July 2024 when scammers created fake social media profiles featuring an attractive, wealthy man. Using AI technology, they generated video calls that matched the fake profile photos, building trust with victims over several weeks. To appear more convincing, scammers sent diamond rings and flowers to victims before persuading them to invest through a fake application called “Streaming.”
In one case, a victim transferred money 45 times, totaling 45.8 million baht. When confronted, Yuttachai attempted to extract an additional 200,000 baht ($5,800) by claiming he was being forced to work for the scammer network.
The police operation covered 21 locations across 11 provinces, resulting in the arrest of various network members including money launderers, cryptocurrency handlers, and money mule account owners. Over 208 pieces of evidence were seized.
Yuttachai confessed to working as an interpreter and manager for the Chinese-funded operation, which employed 10 teams of 8-10 Thai and Laotian workers each. The network carefully selected victims based on their financial status and family background, using sophisticated social engineering techniques to build trust before introducing fraudulent investment platforms.
Investigation revealed the gang used five fake applications: Streaming, TellMall, ETF Trade, Fhxcm, and Fxcm. According to the Thai Police Online system, 29 cases have been reported with estimated losses of 63 million baht. The network targeted victims from Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
The suspect reportedly earned a monthly salary of 8,000 yuan ($1,100) plus commission from successful scams.
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