Thai Police Arrest French Man in Cha-am For Ponzi Scam

Thai immigration police have arrested a 33-year-old French man in Cha-am, Phetchaburi province, who is alleged to be a key figure in a transnational pyramid investment scam causing damages of more than 200 Million Euros. The suspect, identified by authorities only as Mr. Dogan, was found hiding in a villa and is wanted by authorities in France, Turkey and by Interpol.

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The arrest was carried out by Pol Col Suriya Puangsombat, Superintendent of Investigation, Immigration Bureau Region 3, together with officers from the Investigation Division of Immigration Bureau Region 3. The operation followed orders from Pol Maj Gen Songprode Sirisukha, Commissioner of Immigration Bureau Region 3, who signed the revocation of the suspect’s permission to stay in Thailand. Officers included Pol Lt Col Ithithorn Prasernsak, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, and Pol Lt Col Thongthai Pairor, Inspector of the same unit.

At around 15:00 on 20 June 2026, investigators received intelligence that the suspect was hiding in a luxury villa in the Cha-am area. Officers moved in to inspect the property, requested to check his passport and confirmed his identity against international arrest records. He was subsequently detained on site.

Authorities said the man is wanted in connection with a large-scale investment fraud network involving a so-called digital finance company established in 2022 with five associates. The group allegedly claimed links to major financial institutions in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to attract investors.

The scheme reportedly targeted members of the Turkish community living in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and New Zealand, encouraging investments ranging from 20,000 to 300,000 euros. Victims were promised unusually high returns, including monthly profits of 15 percent, annual gains of up to five times the initial investment, and bonuses for recruiting new members. The operation is described as a Ponzi scheme, with estimated losses exceeding 200 million euros, affecting more than 900 victims worldwide.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Following the arrest, immigration authorities said the suspect’s permission to remain in Thailand has been revoked under Section 12(7) of the Immigration Act BE 2522. He is now being held for deportation procedures and will be transferred to countries requesting extradition so he can face prosecution under their legal systems.

Khaosod reported that officials added that further legal coordination will be carried out with international agencies as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border financial crime networks operating in the region.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 22 June 2026