In a high-stakes operation, authorities have arrested six suspects tied to two illegal gambling websites linked to a Cambodian criminal organisation. The sting highlights the growing efforts to tackle international online gambling rings.

 

The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), headed by Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakhonbancha, led the investigation into the websites mm.safa555.com and safa55game.com. These sites, attracting around 10,000 members each, were estimated to handle transactions worth approximately 10 million baht monthly.

 

Upon gathering substantial evidence, the CCIB sought arrest warrants for 12 individuals from the Criminal Court. Raids carried out on Saturday at four locations in Lopburi and Nonthaburi led to the apprehension of six key suspects.

 

The suspects—Thienchai (34), Wechpisit (26), Chitrapat (27), Thitapa (27), and Chaturaphat (27)—were arrested at a luxury house in Nonthaburi, all believed to manage the gambling operations. Another suspect, Yuranan (36), was detained in Lopburi’s Phatthana Nikhom district, where he oversaw local bets.

 

Authorities seized assets worth over 60 million baht during the raids. Confiscated items included five computers, six firearms with 184 rounds of ammunition, four cars, various foreign currencies amounting to 480,000 baht, 5.67 million baht in cash, gold bars, jewellery worth over 3 million baht, 29 branded bags, six luxury watches, title deeds for a house and 12 condominiums, eight bank books, 13 debit cards, and 19 mobile phones.

 

 

Preliminary investigations by the CCIB indicated that family members and close friends in Lopburi, some connected to local politicians, were complicit in laundering the gambling proceeds. Evidence supporting these links was discovered through money transfer records.

 

Interestingly, part of the laundered funds was funnelled through an Art Toy store in Phatthana Nikhom, dealing in high-end dolls like the limited edition Molly dolls priced between 40,000 and 50,000 baht.

 

Rojsak Naiphongsri, CCIB’s deputy chief, stated that the gambling sites have been operational for over a decade, with the rights acquired from a Cambodian criminal gang.

 

The six arrested individuals face charges including operating illegal gambling websites, promoting gambling, and money laundering. Authorities aim to widen their investigation to uncover any further connections to the illegal gambling network.

 

Photo courtesy of Cyber police Facebook page

 

-- 2024-06-03

 

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3 hours ago, webfact said:

Preliminary investigations by the CCIB indicated that family members and close friends in Lopburi, some connected to local politicians, were complicit in laundering the gambling proceeds. Evidence supporting these links was discovered through money transfer records.

Embarrassing.

Only the government run lottery is legal.  Other one bad.