Report Cyber Police Bust Fraud Ring Swindling 228M Baht from Japan

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The cyber police have dismantled a fraud ring that duped a Japanese company into transferring over 228 million baht to a Thai account. Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the scheme.

 

Authorities managed to freeze 215 million baht before it was laundered. They're now collaborating with the FBI to broaden the investigation.

 

Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piewpan, of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), stated that the operation, "Money Cash Back," marks Thailand’s biggest financial recovery in a cyber fraud case.

 

The fraudsters intercepted emails between a Japanese company and its supplier, creating a fake domain to send counterfeit invoices. This tricked the company into wiring money to Thailand on 25 April. A suspect, Weerakarn, withdrew 13 million baht before banks intervened.

 

Investigations led to Annest Onyebuchi, a Nigerian, and his Thai wife. Another key suspect, Ibrahim, a Ghanaian, was arrested for coordinating with accomplices and trying to destroy evidence.

 

Charges include fraud, computer crime, money laundering, and being part of a transnational criminal organisation. A company in Sathorn used to launder funds was also raided, revealing a plan to move an additional 100 million baht.

 

Police are working with the FBI to track the email spoofing network. Pol Lt Gen Trairong advised businesses to verify any financial changes via email, highlighting the global spread of Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-10

 

 

[bdenner]

I thought the Japenese were smarter than to be caught up in this sort of crap.

Sincerely hope the perpertrators enjoy the hospitality of the Bangkok Hilton for as long as it takes rather than being realised on bail then do a runner.