BANGKOK — Cyber police have arrested a Chinese national involved in a sophisticated credit card fraud operation that stole victims’ financial data and used it to purchase goods through Google Pay at Bangkok shopping centers.
The case began when the legal department of a major bank reported suspicious activity to the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD). The scammers collaborated with hackers to exploit victims by sending SMS messages containing malicious links. When victims clicked the links and entered their credit card information and OTP codes, hackers would use the stolen data to make unauthorized purchases via Google Pay at Bangkok department stores.
Investigation revealed the operation transmitted numerous Thai and foreign credit card details to hackers through Telegram channels. Chinese accomplices would then use the stolen credit card information to purchase various goods at Bangkok shopping centers, sell the items for cash, convert the proceeds to USDT cryptocurrency, and transfer profit shares back to the hackers.
Police identified the suspect as Mr. Ma, a 35-year-old Chinese man. A court issued an arrest warrant on July 4, 2025, on charges including fraud by impersonation, unauthorized use of electronic cards, possession of others’ electronic cards for illegal use, accessing computer data without authorization, and fraudulent data input into computer systems.
On July 8, cyber police arrested Ma at a hotel room on Soi Sud Prasert 2, Sutthisan Winitchai Road, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. Evidence seized included two EDC payment terminals, two card readers, three mobile phones, 17 foreign bank ATM cards, 11 blank PVC cards, and one laptop computer.
Despite denying all charges during interrogation, the suspect has been remanded to investigators at the TCSD’s 3rd Bureau for legal proceedings. Police are expanding the investigation to arrest additional network members.
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