BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai police have arrested four Chinese nationals in central Bangkok for operating a sophisticated scam ring that used artificial intelligence to manipulate videos and defraud banks.
The operation, led by Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej and officers from Metropolitan Police Division 5, raided a luxury condominium in Sukhumvit 16, Khlong Toei district. The suspects, aged 21 to 29, had reportedly relocated from Cambodia and were using the condo as their base.
Authorities seized two desktop computers used for AI facial manipulation, two laptops for financial data, 60 mobile phones, and two bags of methamphetamine, along with drug-use paraphernalia.
The gang reportedly used AI to animate still images of victims, creating videos in which the subjects blinked, turned their heads, and opened their mouths. These deepfake clips were then used to bypass banks’ KYC (Know Your Customer) systems, posing a serious risk of financial fraud and identity misuse.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were hired via an app by Chinese criminal networks to modify videos and handle digital financial transactions. Their monthly earnings reportedly ranged from 20,000 to 30,000 yuan (about 130,000 baht), with additional bonuses for exceeding targets. The suspects admitted involvement, and authorities have charged them with participating in an organized crime group, transnational criminal activity, and possession of methamphetamine.
Further investigation is ongoing to trace accomplices and examine all seized digital evidence. The Royal Thai Police plan to hold a public briefing on the case on Nov 10 at 10:00 a.m. (TNA)
