Crime Fake Online Gambling Gang Busted in Police Operation

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Police have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network behind a fake online gambling scam that tricked victims into investing large sums in a bogus “high-return” baccarat scheme, only to find themselves unable to withdraw any profits.

 

The crackdown, codenamed “Operation Stop Fake Betting”, was led by Pol Maj Gen Witya Sriprasertphap, commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD). More than 50 officers were deployed across multiple provinces to arrest members of the gang, who lured victims with promises of easy profits from online gambling handled by supposed professionals.

 

Eight suspects were arrested under court warrants for public fraud, importing false computer data likely to cause public harm, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and actual money laundering. The accused include 32-year-old ringleader Ms Natthakanya, along with Ms Sudarat, 35, Ms Natwara, 27, Ms Bussarin, 40, Ms Sairung, 43, Ms Wasana, 50, Mr Kriangsak, 25, and Mr Thatchawin, 34.

 

Vehicles, three ATM cards, two computers, nine mobile phones, high-end designer goods and over 50 other valuable items, worth an estimated 2 million baht, were seized during raids in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Rai.

 

Investigations were launched after multiple victims filed complaints stating they were initially invited to join a group promoting branded handbag investment. The focus soon shifted to a new “investment opportunity” involving online baccarat, presented as a fast-track to high returns. Victims were instructed to register fake gambling accounts and hand over their login details to a so-called team of professional players.

 

The scammers showcased fabricated income screenshots and fake withdrawal slips to gain the victims’ trust. However, once money was transferred, the victims were unable to withdraw any profits. Instead, they were repeatedly asked to pay additional “processing fees”, including fictitious tax charges, account unlocking fees and even bogus international transaction fees.

 

According to police, the gang operated with a clear structure, some members controlled mule accounts used for laundering funds, others withdrew cash from ATMs and a core group handled the deception and oversaw the entire scheme. One remaining suspect is still at large.

 

Ms Natthakanya admitted to masterminding the scam, which began as early as 2021. Several other suspects claimed they were unaware of the operation’s criminal nature, saying they were only asked to lend bank accounts.

 

All arrested individuals have been transferred to the CSD’s Division 3 for further legal proceedings. Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down the final suspect and are urging other potential victims to come forward.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-06-01.