Kingpin of Online Loan Scam Arrested While Hiding in Remote Drug Haven in Lampang Province 

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have arrested the ringleader of a notorious online loan scam syndicate who had been on the run and living deep in the mountainous Akha tribal region of Lampang province, an area known for sheltering drug trafficking networks.

The arrest was led by officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commander of the CIB, and supported by high-ranking officers including Pol Maj Gen Sophon Sarapat and Pol Maj Gen Montree Thetkhan. The suspect, 44-year-old Mr Sanya, was apprehended in front of a house in Ban Rong subdistrict, Ngao district.

Mr Sanya was wanted under Criminal Court Warrant No. 6373/2567 (issued 25 December 2024) on charges of public fraud by impersonation, inputting false data into a computer system with the intention to deceive or cause damage, and conspiracy to launder money. Investigators identified him as a key figure in the “Fast Loan” scam, which defrauded victims of several million baht.

According to police, the scam operated via the LINE messaging app under the name “Fast Loan,” where scammers would message potential victims with offers of low-interest loans. Victims were tricked into paying multiple “guarantee fees” but never received any loans. When contact was cut off, many victims filed complaints.

Investigators tracked the flow of illicit funds through a network of mule accounts and digital wallets used to conceal the money trail and avoid detection. Mr Sanya was identified as part of a four-person core group behind the scheme, all of whom are subjects of arrest warrants.

Further investigations revealed that Mr Sanya had fled to a remote Akha community, which also serves as a hideout for drug traffickers. Officers from the CSD, in cooperation with local police in Ngao and district administrative officials, travelled to the mountainous area and located the suspect at a residence in the village of Mae Kham La.

Police found Mr Sanya on the second floor of a house and called for him to come down. After confirming his identity, they presented the warrant and arrested him. He later confessed to all charges.

Initial questioning revealed that Mr Sanya had previously worked as a furniture deliveryman in Chiang Mai in 2021. At the time, he was living with his sister, Ms Pornsiri and her former partner, Mr Rangsi. Mr Rangsi allegedly persuaded Mr Sanya to open three bank accounts, with Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank and Bangkok Bank, to be used in the scam. In return, Mr Rangsi frequently provided food and alcohol.

After the arrest, Mr Sanya was taken to Ngao Provincial Police Station for documentation and legal processing, and authorities notified the public prosecutor in accordance with the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act 2022. He has since been transferred to the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok for further legal action.

Police continue to pursue the remaining members of the scam network and have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on cybercrime and financial fraud rings.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-24