Police in Pattaya have arrested five foreign nationals accused of running an online investment scam from a residential home, seizing multiple electronic devices used in the operation. The suspects allegedly lured victims into fake stock trading schemes promising high returns, leaving victims unable to withdraw funds once money had been transferred. Get today's headlines by email The raid took place on 27 March 2026 following an investigation by the Transnational Crime Suppression Centre at Pattaya Police Station. Officers, led by Pol Col Anek Sarathongyu and Pol Lt Col Arut Sapanon, identified a property in Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, as a suspected base for illegal activity. Authorities coordinated with Nong Prue Police, Tourist Police and Chon Buri Immigration Police to conduct surveillance before obtaining sufficient evidence to act. The property was believed to be used as an operational hub for a scam network targeting victims online. During the operation, officers arrested five suspects: a 25-year-old Kazakh national, identified as Kiran and four Indian nationals, Amjad, 48, Faiz, 24, Kaviya, 24 and Mohamed, 25. Police also seized six laptop computers and 11 mobile phones believed to have been used in the scam. Initial questioning revealed the group had rented the property for 95,000 baht per month to run the fraudulent scheme. The suspects admitted acting as administrators, communicating with victims under instructions from higher-level organisers. Victims were reportedly persuaded to invest in fake stock trading platforms offering high returns within a short period. However, once funds were transferred, victims were unable to withdraw either their capital or any purported profits, confirming the operation as an online scam using custom-built software. Police said the group had only recently begun operations before being apprehended. The suspects have been charged with working without permission and were handed over to investigators at Nong Prue Police Station for further legal proceedings. The case highlights ongoing concerns over transnational scam networks operating in Thailand, particularly those targeting victims through online investment platforms. Authorities continue to warn the public to exercise caution when approached with high-return investment opportunities. Police are expected to expand the investigation to identify additional suspects and possible masterminds behind the operation. Further charges may be filed as forensic analysis of the seized devices continues. Pictures courtesy of เช็กข่าวพัทยา Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now เช็กข่าวพัทยา 29 Mar 2026
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