Illegal E-Cigarette Factory Raided: Chinese Financier & 23 Migrant Workers Arrested

[Georgealbert]

 

 

A team from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), led by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), raided an illegal e-cigarette factory in the Bang Khun Thian area of Bangkok, apprehending 23 migrant workers and a Chinese financier.

 

Acting on a warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court (No. 393/2567, dated November 15, 2024), authorities searched a commercial building on Soi Ekachai 89 in Bang Bon, Bangkok. The raid uncovered an illegal e-cigarette production operation.

 

Among those arrested were Mrs. Liao, a 37-year-old Chinese national, and 22 workers of Myanmar nationality. Seized items included:

 

• 3,510 e-cigarettes

• 63 gallons of e-cigarette liquid

• 8 production machines

• 33,000 e-cigarette components

• 9,600 packaging items

 

The raid was the result of an ongoing investigation into the smuggling and illegal production of e-cigarettes. Initial surveillance indicated that the commercial building, outwardly appearing to manufacture cosmetics, was actually assembling e-cigarettes with components suspected to have been imported illegally.

 

Upon entering the premises, authorities discovered migrant workers assembling e-cigarettes. The building’s owner, Mrs. Liao, was identified as the financier, while the Myanmar workers were employed as laborers.

 

The seized items and all individuals were sent to Bang Khun Thian Police Station for further investigation. The charges are categorized as follows:

 

1. Chinese Financier (Mrs. Liao):

• Smuggling goods not cleared by customs (Customs Act, Section 246).

• Violating safety regulations under the Consumer Protection Act.

• Engaging in unlicensed work as a foreigner under the Alien Employment Management Decree.

 

2. Myanmar Workers (11 Individuals):

• Working without proper authorization under the Alien Employment Management Decree.

 

3. Myanmar Workers (11 Additional Individuals):

• Entering the kingdom without permission under the Immigration Act.

• Engaging in unlicensed work under the Alien Employment Management Decree.

 

Mrs. Liao denied all charges, while the 22 Myanmar workers admitted to working for her in exchange for a salary.

 

Picture courtesy of CIB

-- 2024-11-19