CHONBURI — Police have arrested a 26-year-old woman who allegedly served as a crucial operative for a Chinese crime boss running an elaborate fraud scheme across Northeast Thailand, authorities announced Sunday.
Ms. Monthatip, from Ubon Ratchathani Province, was apprehended at a housing estate in Mueang Chonburi District under charges including fraud conspiracy and computer crimes. The arrest was led by Police Colonel Anuwat Suwannapoom of Khon Kaen Provincial Police on Semtember 14 following a warrant issued by Maha Sarakham Provincial Court.
The Scam Operation
The investigation began after victims reported losing 1.25 million baht ($39,300) to a call center scam that convinced them to invest in a fake online shopping platform. Police seized five electronic devices during the arrest, including mobile phones and iPads.
According to investigators, Monthatip worked directly under a Chinese national identified as Mr. Gao Gao, who operates from Laos. Her responsibilities included managing cash flow and recruiting “mule accounts” for money laundering. She regularly traveled across the Northeast and Eastern regions, withdrawing money from ATMs before redistributing funds to network members.
Wider Criminal Network
Police revealed that Monthatip is connected to over 25 additional cases with combined damages exceeding 10 million baht ($315,000 USD). She reportedly received 20,000 baht ($630) per bank account she helped procure for the operation.
The suspect admitted to renting the Chonburi property as both a hideout and operational base, taking directions from her Chinese handler via WhatsApp on which accounts to target and where to transfer funds.
Monthatip has been transferred to Maha Sarakham Police Station for processing. Authorities plan to expand their investigation to arrest other network members.
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