Two Chinese nationals have been arrested in Bangkok for allegedly using a mobile fake base station to intercept signals and send fraudulent SMS messages with malicious links across the city. The suspects were detained on 29 April by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, based at thr headquarters in Muang Thong Thani, following a targeted police operation.
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Police identified the men as Jiang Zhaosi, 46 and Chen, 64, who were stopped while driving a white BYD vehicle in the Dao Khanong area of Thonburi district. Officers discovered a False Base Station device and two mobile phones inside the car. The equipment is designed to mimic legitimate mobile towers, disrupt nearby signals, and inject scam messages directly to users.
The arrests followed an investigation that began on 11 March, when cyber police working with mobile network operators detected unusual signal activity in several densely populated areas of Bangkok. Authorities traced the source to a moving signal, prompting ongoing surveillance and field operations to locate the suspects.
According to Pol Maj Gen Chatchapantakan KlaiKlueng, deputy commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, the device temporarily weakens or blocks genuine mobile signals. This allows criminals to send SMS messages containing fake links without passing through official telecom networks, making detection more difficult.
The suspects claimed they were unaware that the equipment was illegal under Thai law. However, police have charged them with jointly possessing and using unlicensed radio communication equipment, as well as operating an unauthorised radio station. They have been taken into custody along with the seized items for legal proceedings.
Authorities warned that False Base Station devices are increasingly used by scam networks worldwide to target victims with phishing links and financial fraud schemes. The case highlights growing concerns over sophisticated cybercrime tactics being deployed in urban areas.
Matichon reported that police said further investigations are underway to determine whether the suspects are linked to a larger criminal network. Officials are also working with telecom providers to strengthen detection systems and prevent similar attacks in the future.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 30 Apr 2026