Police have arrested six South Korean nationals following raids on condominiums in the Sathorn and Sam Yan areas of Bangkok, uncovering a large-scale online gambling operation. Officers seized computers, multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, OTP devices and cash in several currencies. The suspects now face charges including operating illegal gambling networks and immigration offences.
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The operation was led by Yannawa police and Metropolitan Police Bureau officers under senior commanders including Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom and Pol Maj Gen Chaiyakrit Pho-uh. Investigators acted after a delivery driver reported suspicious activity at 22:15 on 17 April 2026, when a parcel collected for delivery, from a foreign man using only the name “Mr Kevin” began vibrating unusually during transit. The delivery driver alerted Yannawa Police Station, where officers found what was suspected to be cybercrime equipment inside the parcel.
Police set up surveillance and observed a foreign man attempt to collect the parcel before handing it to a South Korean national, who hid it in nearby bushes. Officers intervened, discovering multiple devices linked to online gambling operations. The individual failed to produce a passport and was detained, leading to further investigation using keycards linked to several condominium units.
On 18 April 2026, officers obtained search warrants from the South Bangkok Criminal Court and raided multiple rooms across the Sathorn and Sam Yan areas. Six suspects were arrested: Min Ho, Kang Jae, Sang Chul, Hyun Jae, Joo Min and Hyun Ho, with surnames withheld. Large quantities of equipment were seized, including desktop computers, monitors, laptops, iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, storage devices and numerous flash drives, along with cash in Thai baht and Korean won.
During questioning, Hyun Jae admitted to managing the network. Police said the group used high-tech online tools and multiple locations to conceal their activities within residential buildings in central Bangkok.
Authorities have charged the suspects with criminal association and organising illegal online gambling, as well as violations under immigration and foreign employment laws. All suspects and seized items have been handed over to investigators at Yannawa Police Station for legal proceedings.
The case highlights the use of high-end urban properties by transnational cybercrime networks and the role of public vigilance in exposing such operations. Police say further investigations will focus on expanding the network and identifying additional suspects.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 20 Apr 2026