BANGKOK, Thailand – Police have arrested eight members of a major transnational money-laundering network linked to foreign call center scams. The suspects allegedly used Thai “mule accounts” and cryptocurrency exchanges to move over one million baht per day, with total damages exceeding 100 million baht.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana Yichin, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, announced the operation targeting complex and evolving forms of cybercrime, including call center scams, online gambling, and digital asset-based money laundering.
Investigations revealed that a Chinese national led the network, directing a Thai woman to recruit locals willing to open or lend their bank accounts to receive funds from international scam operations. The laundered money was converted into cryptocurrency and transferred back to the Chinese ringleader. The account holders received commissions of about 4% per withdrawal.
Authorities tracked the network through surveillance and undercover monitoring, leading to the arrest of eight suspects on charges including membership in a secret criminal organization, conspiracy to commit fraud, and money laundering.
Police seized evidence including 846,800 baht in cash, 13 bankbooks, 14 ATM cards, 18 mobile phones, 23 SIM cards, and one banknote counter.
The investigation found the group relocated its operations from Cambodia to Thailand in August 2018 due to border restrictions. The suspects reportedly handled cash transfers of 1–2 million baht daily. Some proceeds were converted into digital coins and sent to their Chinese financiers.
Authorities are expanding the investigation to trace additional accomplices and recover assets. The seized funds will be returned to victims under the “Money Back” restitution program. (TNA)
