Thai Police Capture Biggest Call Centre Scam Boss Near Cambodia Border

webfact · December 2, 2024

Picture courtesy: MGR online

In a decisive move against cybercrime, Thailand's Crime Suppression Division has apprehended Demin Wen, a 35-year-old Chinese national believed to helm one of the country's largest call scam operations. The arrest took place near the Cambodian border, specifically in Ban Non Sao Ae village within Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district.

The arrest, announced by Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, follows a meticulously executed operation targeting a series of scam call centres that have become a plague in the region. Demin Wen is suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated network involving numerous SIM boxes, SIM cards, and other crucial telecommunications equipment. These tools were allegedly housed in various rental properties across Chiang Mai province, strategically used to perpetuate scams.

Authorities had previously raided these buildings, detaining Mr Wen's Thai wife who was allegedly tasked with overseeing operations. The raids were fruitful, leading to the seizure of an extensive arsenal: 642 SIM boxes, around 590,000 SIM cards, 72 computers, and 1,455 mobile phones were confiscated. The magnitude of this operation highlights the staggering scale of the fraudulent activities.

Picture courtesy: MGR online

Upon the initial crackdown, Wen narrowly evaded capture, fleeing from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Sawan where he abandoned his vehicle before making his way to Bangkok by bus. His escape was reportedly facilitated by his Chinese wife, Yin Xiaoying, who allegedly orchestrated a further retreat to Sa Kaeo, teetering on the edge of Cambodia.

In a twist, Demin Wen professed ignorance of his Thai wife's arrest, claiming his intent was merely to visit the Rong Kluea market in Sa Kaeo. This statement, however, failed to convince authorities who had meticulously tracked his movements.

Picture courtesy: MGR online

Adding to the saga, Yin Xiaoying, aged 37, was apprehended separately at Suvarnabhumi Airport, effectively truncating their getaway plans.

This operation underscores the cross-border complexity of cybercrime and exposes the vulnerabilities exploited by scam networks, which target unsuspecting victims both locally and globally.

With a combined cache of equipment potentially worth millions in Thai Baht, the ramifications of this takedown are expected to resonate through criminal circles, serving as both a deterrent and a call to action for enhanced international cooperation against such illicit schemes.

The successful apprehension of Demin Wen and his accomplices marks a significant triumph for Thai law enforcement. The move also signals a robust stance against organised scams, albeit amid global efforts to curb such transnational criminal activities.

As the investigation unfolds, further insights into the scale and operations of these call scam networks are anticipated, offering potential lessons for other nations grappling with similar challenges, reported MGR online.

-- 2024-12-03