Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a landmark collaboration, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has initiated a full-time joint operation with Japan and India to dismantle call centre syndicates based in Cambodia. This is the first operation of its kind and comes on the heels of Thailand's announcement in early August of a three-month crackdown plan, working alongside ten countries and organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Interpol.

 

The initiative was announced under the banner of the RTP's International Anti-Scam and Human Trafficking Syndicate Command Centre (IAC). The centre was established to combat the rising tide of call centre scams that have plagued the region.

 

Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, RTP inspector-general and IAC commander, highlighted the importance of this operation following discussions with Japanese and Indian officials. The aim is to create a robust 24-hour cross-border coordination system, known as the "plug-in" model, which will improve investigations, freeze illicit funds, and trace phone numbers and financial accounts used by scammers.

 

"If countries can coordinate operations, we can be more proactive and target the heart of these syndicates in Cambodia," Pol Gen Thatchai stated. Japan and India have been particularly affected by these call centres, making their participation crucial. Talks are also underway with China and Vietnam to join the efforts.

 

The IAC "War Room," located at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, serves as the nerve centre for this crackdown. The War Room facilitates real-time intelligence sharing and includes participation from countries like the United Kingdom, United States, and various Asian nations. This collaborative space is vital for disrupting scam networks more effectively.

 

Key to these efforts are also the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Anti-Money Laundering Office in Thailand. Together, they are developing a unified system to speed up investigations by enhancing data collection for financial analysis and enabling the immediate seizure of bank and crypto accounts associated with fraudulent activities.

 

Pol Gen Thatchai noted the significant progress made with the War Room's establishment. Arrests of mule bosses and account holders have increased by approximately 40%, and financial seizures have become more frequent. Early reporting by victims to the police remains crucial for recovering funds, he added.

 

The initiative also addresses the shift in criminal activity following the closure of casinos along the Thai-Cambodian border. Many former casino workers have reportedly turned to call centre activities, further highlighting the need for international cooperation.

 

An expedition to Poipet, a Cambodian city known for being a hub for scammers, is planned. Countries participating in the crackdown will join this ground visit.

 

This joint operation underscores the essence of international partnership in tackling organised crime that transcends borders. The RTP's aggressive approach, combined with the technical and strategic cooperation with other countries, represents a significant step forward in global anti-scam efforts.

 

This bold move not only targets the immediate threat but also sets a precedent for how countries can work together to combat the evolving landscape of cybercrime. With the concerted efforts seen here, there is hope for a significant reduction in the activities of these troublesome syndicates.

 

The operation's success could see more countries joining the coalition, further strengthening the fight against cross-border crime and providing a safer environment globally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-01

 

India is a major centre for scams. Maybe not the best idea to ask for India's help when they could well be behind it.

Watching youtube scambaiter type vids I often see intercepts where indian based scammers try to have victims to send money to Thai bank accounts.