BANGKOK — In a significant anti-money laundering operation dubbed “Gateway Laundering,” Thai Cyber Police have uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving Malaysian nationals who married Thai women to establish shell companies for laundering online gambling proceeds.
The operation, conducted on December 17, involved raids at five locations across four provinces: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Ayutthaya. A key target was Fox Ekkamai Company Limited, located in Grand Bangkok Boulevard, Ratchapruek-Rattanathibet.
Police arrested a Malaysian-Chinese national identified as Mr. Hao and his Thai wife, Ms. Patama, seizing assets worth approximately 13.3 million baht ($389,000). The confiscated items included 4 million baht in cash, gold jewelry, luxury watches including a Patek Philippe worth 2 million baht and a Rolex GMT Root Beer valued at 600,000 baht, 16 designer handbags, imported liquor, and a Toyota Alphard vehicle.
According to investigators, the couple had been living together for three years and operated several businesses, including a liquor store in Ekkamai and a shrimp fishing pond in Ramkhamhaeng, which served as fronts for their money laundering activities.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Acting Commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, highlighted a concerning trend where foreign nationals marry Thai citizens to gain legal business ownership rights.
In this case, the Thai wife held 51% of the company shares as a nominee shareholder while claiming ignorance of her husband’s illegal activities. She reportedly received a monthly salary in the hundreds of thousands of baht for managing the company.
The investigation revealed a network of more than 10 shell companies across Bangkok and surrounding areas, operating entertainment venues in Ekkamai and Ayutthaya, and seafood restaurants in Ladprao. Many of these registered companies showed no signs of actual business operations.
Police have issued 27 arrest warrants, with seven suspects currently in custody. Additional arrests include Ms. Saowalak, the wife of another Malaysian suspect named Jeffrey, who was apprehended at Aspire Asoke-Ratchada condominium.
The investigation continues as authorities work to track down remaining suspects and uncover potential links to other criminal operations, including call center scams and additional online gambling networks.
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