Crime Chinese National Arrested in Pattaya Over Multi-Million Baht Money Laundering Scam

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of CIB

 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a Chinese national in Pattaya for alleged involvement in an international money laundering and online fraud scheme linked to a fake e-commerce platform. Police seized assets worth over 9 million baht during the operation.

 

The arrest, led by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), followed an investigation into complaints from victims who were defrauded through a fake Facebook page and online marketplace called World Market Dealing, posing as a legitimate second-hand goods trading platform.

 

The suspect, identified only as Mr. Li, a Chinese national, was apprehended at a condominium in Naklua, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. He faces multiple charges, including: being part of a criminal association, fraud by impersonation and computer-related crimes.

 

 

Police confiscated 35 items from the suspect, including:

 

• THB 746,530 in Thai currency

• CNY 7,513 in Chinese currency

• Three vehicles: a white BMW, a black Mercedes-Benz, and a white Toyota

• Five mobile phones

• Two bank books

• Several luxury brand handbags and jewellery

 

The case emerged when a victim reported entering a Facebook page called World Market Dealing, which claimed to facilitate second-hand goods trading. The victim joined a LINE OpenChat group with over 200 members and was convinced of its legitimacy due to frequent posts by what appeared to be other active sellers.

 

An admin then requested the victim transfer THB 189 as a group entrance fee (later refunded), followed by a link to a fake e-commerce platform mimicking a legitimate retail interface. The victim was instructed to make three money transfers, totalling THB 20,700, to activate a trading account.

 

Upon attempting to withdraw funds, the victim was told an additional THB 50,000 was needed to “fix the system,” raising suspicion of fraud. The victim then filed a complaint with police.

 

Investigators traced the illicit transactions to a money mule withdrawing funds at a shopping mall in Pattaya. CCTV footage showed the mule handing the cash to a Chinese man, later identified as Mr. Li, prompting a court-issued arrest warrant and subsequent raid.

 

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau; Police Major General Athip Phongsivapai, Commander of TCSD; and Police Colonel Chitsanupong Waiwadee, Superintendent of TCSD Subdivision 3.

 

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against online scams and to verify platforms and payment requests before transferring funds. Investigations into further links to transnational crime syndicates are ongoing.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-29.

 

 

 

[jacko45k]

It s beginning to look like a good place to catch these fraudsters is at the high end German car dealers!

[mikebell]

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

It s beginning to look like a good place to catch these fraudsters is at the high end German car dealers!

Who will benefit from confiscating these cars?  My bet will be on the future drivers  wearing brown.