PATTAYA — Police arrested 26 Chinese nationals operating an illegal online lending business from a luxury pool villa in Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach area on Friday.
The operation began after local residents reported suspicious activity involving nearly 30 Chinese individuals at a multi-million baht villa in Mu 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
Police Colonel Thawatchkiart Jindakuansong, Chonburi Provincial Police Commander, ordered Colonel Phassakorn Paijit, head of Chonburi Provincial Investigation, to lead the raid on the single-story luxury home spanning 90-100 square wah, surrounded by high walls and CCTV cameras.
During the search, officers found 26 Chinese nationals (25 men, 1 woman) working inside. Most had entered Thailand on tourist and student visas without work permits, while two were overstaying their visas.
The investigation revealed the group was running an online loan shark business targeting Chinese nationals abroad, using laptops and mobile phones to conduct operations.
Police seized evidence including 2 laptops, 52 mobile phones, 77 Chinese-language financial documents related to the online lending business, and 80,300 baht in cash.
The suspects face charges of operating an unlicensed credit business, working illegally as foreigners without permits, and employment without proper authorization. The two overstayers face additional immigration charges.
All suspects and evidence were transferred to Pattaya City Police Station for prosecution.
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