BANGKOK, Thailand – The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has launched an operation dubbed “Ghost Buster” against a national esports athlete accused of using a proxy player during the 33rd SEA Games Arena of Valor competition. Authorities said the case involves fraud at an international sporting event and a computer-related offense that damaged the country’s credibility.
The case stems from women’s team matches held December 15–16 at Chulalongkorn University. Police allege that Napat, known as Tokyogurl, allowed Chaiyo, known as Kong Cheerio, to compete in her place via Discord. She was disqualified during the tournament, and the Thailand Esports Federation filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division.
Investigators executed search warrants at three locations in Nakhon Phanom and Nonthaburi provinces, detaining both suspects and seizing mobile phones, IP records, and chat data. Police said Chaiyo admitted he had played on Napat’s behalf several times, including before her selection to a professional team and the national squad, in exchange for promised rewards based on results.
Suspicion emerged during pre-tournament training after irregular behavior was observed. Authorities allege Napat shared her login credentials before the competition, and the pair planned which matches each would handle. During a match against Vietnam, officials detected irregularities and halted the program, leading to her removal and replacement.
Police said the actions violated competition rules and the Computer Crime Act, which carries penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 4,000 baht, or both. Prosecutors have filed charges with the Pathumwan Municipal Court, with a verdict scheduled for March 17. The Thailand Esports Federation has since imposed a lifetime ban on Napat and barred Chaiyo from federation activities. (NNT)
