Crime DSI Probes Thai ‘Mule Accounts’ in Cambodian Labour Bribery Case

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has released updates on its probe into a suspected transnational labour extortion network, following high-profile raids in Bangkok last month. The case centres on allegations that Cambodian workers were being charged 2,500 baht in illegal “processing fees” in exchange for work permits, money allegedly funneled through Thai mule bank accounts.

 

According to DSI officials, a number of Thai individuals and business entities whose bank accounts were allegedly used to channel funds have now testified before investigators. They deny any involvement in the kickback scheme, but admit to conducting legitimate business transactions with Cambodian partners, including cross-border money transfers.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed suspicious financial links between these Thai mule accounts and accounts belonging to high-ranking Cambodian officials. The DSI also confirmed that certain Thai and Cambodian government officers are suspected of having ties to the case.

 

The probe stems from a 3 July operation, during which DSI officers, led by DSI Director-General Police Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana Praedam and senior officials, raided four sites in Bangkok’s Khlong Sam Wa district. The locations were allegedly linked to companies facilitating employment for Cambodian migrant workers, including work permit processing.

 

Investigators are now preparing to submit the case to the DSI’s preliminary review board, before escalating it to the full Special Case Committee. If accepted, the case will be officially designated a special investigation under charges of criminal association and money laundering.

 

The DSI is also examining whether the Cambodian officials’ alleged involvement meets the legal threshold for a transnational organised crime syndicate. However, officials have yet to commit to a clear timeline for when the case will be classified as a special case.

 

Notably, since the DSI’s raid in July, there have been no further reports of illegal fee collection from Cambodian workers, an early sign, authorities suggest, that the pressure may be disrupting the alleged network.

 

The investigation is ongoing, with more witnesses being summoned, including employers, private company directors and officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Labour. The DSI has vowed to pursue the case thoroughly, with Director-General Yutthana instructing his team to proceed with the utmost care and diligence.

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1366178-dsi-uncovers-cross-border-bribery-money-laundering-network-exploiting-cambodian-workers/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-08-07