Picture courtesy of CCIB

 

The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has arrested a couple for forging New Zealand visas and defrauding Thai citizens seeking overseas employment. At a press briefing held at 09:30 on December 7, CCIB Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwphan, alongside other officials, including representatives from the New Zealand Embassy in Thailand and Immigration New Zealand, announced the successful operation against the suspects.

 

According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong, irregularities in visa applications for Thai workers traveling to New Zealand were flagged by the New Zealand Embassy. These applications were found to involve counterfeit documents, prompting the embassy to alert the Thai cyber police. After gathering evidence, the court issued arrest warrants for two individuals.

 

On the morning of December 6, officers from CCIB raided a residence in the Prasert-Manukit area of Bangkok, believed to be the hideout of the suspects. The individuals, identified as Ms. Jantima and Mr. Anuwat, had been evading detection for years, even refraining from registering official identification for over a decade.

 

The suspects were charged with fraud, forgery, submitting false information to computer systems, and deceiving victims by falsely claiming they could secure jobs or training opportunities abroad.

 

Investigations revealed that the couple had exploited their past experiences working in South Korea to identify vulnerabilities among Thai job seekers. Initially targeting those interested in South Korea, the suspects shifted focus to New Zealand due to its higher wages. Using social media, they created convincing posts and purchased Facebook pages with large followings to attract victims.

 

The suspects promised job placements in New Zealand, quoting a fee of 70,000 baht, which included 50,000 baht for a work visa and 20,000 baht for personal expenses. They engaged with victims through video calls and provided fabricated employment contracts purportedly from New Zealand employers. Victims were warned not to share these documents, under the threat of legal consequences.

 

Once victims transferred payments, the suspects would sever contact.

 

Although only two victims have come forward so far, police suspect there may be many additional victims based on evidence found during the raid. Authorities are urging other victims to contact the police to assist in the investigation.

Following the press conference, the suspects were taken to Ratchada Criminal Court for detention. During their transfer, Ms. Jantima broke down in tears and leaned on police officers for support. Both suspects declined to answer questions from the media.

 

Police have opposed bail for the suspects, citing concerns about evidence tampering. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional victims and accomplices.

 

-- 2024-12-08

 

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

"Ms. Jantima broke down in tears and leaned on police officers for support"

 

Were the Officers injured?

On 12/8/2024 at 3:17 AM, Georgealbert said:

The individuals, identified as Ms. Jantima and Mr. Anuwat, had been evading detection for years, even refraining from registering official identification for over a decade.

On the ball as usual.. after a tip-off

what jobs do thais in NZ?  little ghosts?

On 12/8/2024 at 12:40 AM, edwinchester said:

"Ms. Jantima broke down in tears and leaned on police officers for support"

 

Were the Officers injured?

From the OP image I thought it was a man on steroids.