AMLO's Monitoring Snares Over 680,000 Fraudulent Mule Accounts

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In an aggressive move against financial crime, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has heightened its crackdown efforts. Since December 2024, under the leadership of AMLO Secretary-General Tepsu Bowonchodidara, the office has set its sights on assets tied to drug trafficking, fraud, and online gambling. The initiative aims to prevent crime by monitoring over 72,031 individuals, leading to the closure of more than 680,000 mule accounts, thus safeguarding millions from fraudulent misuse.

 

In drug-related investigations, AMLO processed 15 cases involving assets valued at over 510 million baht, with a significant portion seized or frozen. Notable among these was the Sureewan case, which saw 125 bank accounts frozen with assets approximately worth 505 million baht.

 

Fraudulent activities saw a more extensive net cast, covering 15 cases with assets totalling more than 6,529 million baht. These include organised fraud operations by Sittra and associates, resulting in the confiscation of valuable land, buildings, and other assets worth 71 million baht. Meanwhile, proceeds from various investigations have continued to bring ill-gotten gains back under state control or to the victims’ aid through AMLO’s victim protection programme.

 

 

In a calculated effort to dismantle online gambling rings, ten cases worth over 158 million baht were pursued, leading to the seizing of substantial assets tied to illicit operations. Noteworthy was the sand168.com probe, which saw 742 luxury assets seized, valued at 100 million baht.

 

Ultimately, AMLO's efforts reflect a strategic push to reduce financial crime via targeted monitoring, asset seizures, and victim restitution. This robust approach highlights the critical need to curb the misuse of electronic transactions in mitigating crime impacts on society.

 

-- 2025-01-24