Thai and Taiwanese police have launched a joint operation against a Taiwanese criminal network accused of running call-centre scams from Cambodia and tricking people into joining the operation. The Anti-Online Scam Centre (ACSC), Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB Taiwan) announced on 20 August that more than 20 suspects had been arrested. They include alleged financiers, operational leaders and the owner of a Taiwanese tour company. The operation was directed by Police General Thana Chuwong, deputy national police chief and director of the police anti-online scam centre; Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, assistant national police chief and deputy director; and Police Lieutenant General Natsasak Chaowanasai, CIB commissioner. Victims recruited with promises of high pay CIB Taiwan said its investigation found that the network had operated call centres in Cambodia, with members allegedly impersonating police officers in telephone scams. Investigators initially identified 46 victims, with reported losses exceeding NT$200 million. Police said the group also recruited people online by advertising jobs responding to social-media chat messages for a company said to have offices in Cambodia. The adverts offered high pay, free accommodation and food, and reportedly persuaded more than 100 people to join. The recruits were allegedly being sent from Taiwan to Cambodia to prepare for the opening of call-centre operations. Thai travel arrangements under scrutiny According to police, the network worked with a Thai tour company to make the journeys appear legitimate during official checks. Officers said the arrangements included travel documents, fake return air tickets and false accommodation bookings. Thai credit cards were also allegedly used to pay for air fares in an effort to evade checks by Taiwanese police. Authorities said 20 suspects were identified as part of the expanded investigation. They include alleged ringleaders, investors, operational figures and the Taiwanese tour company owner who was said to have arranged travel for call-centre members. Police seized cash, digital assets, bank accounts, ATM cards, electronic devices and vehicles. The suspects face allegations of public fraud and money laundering. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Join the discussion? 21 August 2026
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