CHONBURI — Thai police continue their crackdown on scammers and call center gangs, particularly in Chonburi, where foreign scammers often rent luxury villas. Recently, authorities arrested four more members of a money-laundering network, seizing assets including mansions and luxury cars worth a total of 152 million baht ($4.5 million).
On December 13, Police Lieutenant General Yingyoth Thepjamnong, Acting Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, announced the latest operation targeting the “Gray Dragon” call center gang. The group had been operating out of a townhouse in Sriracha, Chonburi, and was first dismantled on August 5.
Following that, the police expanded their investigation, leading to the arrest of an additional four suspects between December 12-13. Three of the suspects are Thai nationals, and one is Chinese.
The police seized significant assets, including:
- A luxury house in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, valued at 65 million baht.
- Another luxury house in Nong Ruea, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, valued at 75 million baht.
- A white Lexus car, valued at around 8 million baht.
- A white Mercedes-Benz sedan, valued at 3.5 million baht.
- A black Mazda 2 sedan, valued at 400,000 baht, along with other assets totaling over 152 million baht.
Lt. Gen. Yingyoth explained that warrants had been issued for three groups of suspects: 1) 11 office staff, 2) 15 “money mule” accountants (who manage accounts and run online ads), and 3) 9 bosses and money laundering operatives. So far, 20 individuals have been arrested, and 15 remain at large, some of whom have fled abroad.
Investigations revealed that the scam network was converting money obtained through fraud into cryptocurrency and transferring it to anonymous digital wallets. The ringleaders, including Chinese nationals, were using the ill-gotten funds to live a lavish lifestyle in Thailand, purchasing luxury homes, cars, and other assets, while also running businesses under nominee names.
In collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), police have launched further investigations and are continuing efforts to seize assets and prosecute the criminals involved.
Lt. Gen. Yingyoth warned Thai citizens against participating in call center scams, such as opening accounts, procuring “ghost SIM cards,” or engaging in nominee businesses or asset holdings. These activities could lead to criminal charges under both the Land Code and the Foreign Business Act.
He encouraged the public to report any suspicious foreign nationals or Thai individuals linked to call center scams to the Provincial Police Region 2 Facebook page.
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