Pictures courtesy of CIB

 

Bangkok police have arrested a Chinese national accused of directing a cash withdrawal operation for a call-centre scam network that defrauded victims of more than 640,000 baht. The arrest took place on October 16, 2025, on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok’s Din Daeng district, where the suspect, identified as Mr. Zeng, was supervising five Thai nationals withdrawing cash from local ATMs. Officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) led the operation.

 

The 40-year-old Chinese suspect had been wanted since September 5 on multiple charges, including participation in organised crime, fraud, computer-related offences, conspiracy to commit money laundering and illegal entry. The investigation revealed that victims had been tricked into performing fake online “tasks” through a Facebook page claiming to buy second-hand luxury goods. Participants were told to like posts and transfer money to earn bonuses, ultimately losing 645,473 baht when their funds could not be withdrawn.

 

Zeng admitted to authorities that he coordinated the withdrawals using Thai accomplices before transferring the cash to a Chinese gang leader based in the Huai Khwang area. He also confessed to illegally entering Thailand via the Golden Triangle region in Chiang Rai for the purpose of managing this fraudulent operation. Police said Zeng’s role involved overseeing “money mule” activities, ensuring steady cash movement from Thai accounts to criminal handlers abroad.

 

According to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Zeng’s arrest was part of a wider crackdown on transnational scams targeting Thai citizens. Investigators noted that such schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, often mixing online deception with real-world financial operations. The coordinated use of Thai nationals to launder money locally has presented additional challenges for enforcement agencies tracking cross-border crime.

 

Authorities are now working to identify and apprehend the remaining members and leadership of the network, including the alleged ringleader operating in Bangkok. Further arrests are expected as police trace digital and financial evidence linked to the group’s operations. The CIB and TCSD have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online job offers or investment opportunities that demand initial payments.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Chinese suspect Mr. Zeng was arrested in Bangkok for directing ATM withdrawals linked to a call-centre scam.

• Victims lost over 640,000 baht after being deceived by a fake Facebook page offering bonuses for simple online tasks.

• Police are pursuing additional suspects in Thailand and investigating the wider transnational fraud network.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now From CIB 2025-10-18

 

 

 

 

Those finest "quality tourists", Thailand loves to woe....

9 hours ago, Middle Aged Grouch said:

Those finest "quality tourists", Thailand loves to woe....

"...Thailand loves to woe...."

How does Thailand cause sorrow or distress to tourists?