BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested six members of an online scam network that posed as investment advisers and lured victims into trading gold through a fake application called “Binat Thailand.” Authorities also seized cash, gold bracelets, mobile phones, and other evidence.
The joint operation was carried out by the CIB, the Anti-Cyber Scam Center (ACSC), and officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD). All suspects were wanted under warrants for public fraud, importing false computer data likely to cause public harm, criminal association, and money laundering.
The case began after a victim reported being contacted via the Line messaging app by a woman calling herself “Omnicha.” Using photos of an attractive, fair-skinned woman as her profile image, she presented herself as a trustworthy investment advisor and persuaded the victim to engage in short-term gold trading, claiming profit could be made within 10–20 minutes per trade.
“Omnicha” instructed the victim to download two applications—“Binat Thailand” and “Thai ID”—through links she provided. She claimed that professional analysts would guide the trades and that the victim only needed to invest money. Believing the story, the victim made multiple transfers, totaling 11,645,000 baht.
However, when the victim later attempted to access the trading app, it had disappeared from the phone. Attempts to contact “Omnicha” also failed, leading the victim to file a complaint with Bueng Kum Police Station.
The ACSC data-analysis team later forwarded information to CSD investigators, who discovered a well-organized criminal network using multiple layers of money-laundering tactics. The group collected money through three primary channels:
-Transfers to first-tier mule accounts, which then funneled funds overseas via payment gateways or converted them into USDT before being moved to untraceable non-custodial crypto wallets.
-Direct cash handovers at coffee shops in Ratchaburi and Bangkok, where couriers delivered money to a Chinese ringleader.
-Transfers to accounts of cash-withdrawal contractors, who withdrew money through bank officers before passing it to the same ringleader.
Following extended investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for seven suspects and subsequently apprehended six of them in coordinated raids across several provinces. Confiscated assets were also seized for further examination.
During questioning, some suspects confessed while others denied involvement. Police emphasized that attractive profile photos and friendly chat messages are common tactics used by online investment scammers.
Authorities urged the public: “Do not trust unknown investment advisors. Always verify before transferring money.”
The suspects and evidence were handed over to investigators at Bueng Kum Police Station for legal proceedings. (TNA)
