Police in Bangkok have dismantled a major online gambling network linked to World Cup 2026 betting, uncovering more than 1 billion baht in financial transactions as operators were reportedly preparing to stream football matches ahead of the tournament’s opening fixtures on 11 June.
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The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation unit announced the operation during a press conference at its headquarters on 11 June. Senior officers, including Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, Deputy Inspector General and Deputy Director of the Technology Crime Suppression Centre, revealed details of the crackdown on the “Ole777” website.
Authorities said the platform offered football betting, slot games, baccarat and roulette. Investigators found that the network had processed more than 1 billion baht through its systems and allegedly relied on large numbers of mule bank accounts to conceal financial transactions.
Following an investigation into the money trail, police gathered evidence and obtained arrest warrants for 30 suspects. Officers have so far arrested 19 individuals believed to be connected to the operation.
Picture courtesy of Matichon
During the press conference, police conducted a video call with a 19-year-old female suspect who admitted opening a mule bank account in exchange for 2,000 baht. She told investigators she had been recruited through Facebook around the middle of 2025 and did not know the identity of either the person who hired her or those who arranged the account-opening process.
The announcement coincided with the establishment of a dedicated World Cup 2026 gambling prevention and suppression centre. The unit has been tasked with tackling illegal football betting, investigating financial systems linked to online gambling operations and disrupting associated criminal networks.
Pol Lt Gen Trairong said investigators would continue expanding the inquiry to identify the ultimate beneficiaries of the operation. Authorities will also examine whether funds were converted into cryptocurrencies and transferred overseas.
He said that if links to foreign criminal groups are identified, suspects could face charges related to participation in a transnational organised crime network. Police also warned the public not to open bank accounts on behalf of others or allow third parties to use their accounts, as doing so could result in criminal prosecution.
Matichon reported that according to Pol Lt Gen Trairong, major sporting events such as the World Cup are frequently exploited by illegal online gambling operators seeking to expand their customer base and generate substantial profits. He added that online gambling networks are often connected to money laundering, mule account schemes, online fraud and human trafficking, forming part of broader transnational criminal organisations.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 12 June 2026