CIB Breaks Online Gambling Firm Mule Accounts, Arrests Five

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid 

Police have dismantled an online gambling money-laundering network that used company “mule accounts” to move more than 100 million baht in just four days, arresting five company directors and seizing extensive evidence. The operation, led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), targeted firms used as fronts to receive and transfer funds linked to online slot and baccarat gambling.

The crackdown was carried out by the Technology Crime Suppression Division under the CIB following an investigation into suspicious corporate banking activity. Officers found that multiple legal entities were established to open bank accounts that channelled proceeds from illegal gambling websites, enabling rapid and high-volume financial flows.

The operation was authorised by Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chewnasai, Commissioner of the CIB, alongside senior CIB and Technology Crime Suppression Division commanders. Police from Subdivision 2 worked with officers in Regions 8 and 4 to execute search and arrest warrants in Phuket and Khon Kaen provinces.

According to investigators, nine bank accounts across eight companies were used to process the funds, with registered offices in Phuket and Khon Kaen. Some suspects claimed they were persuaded to set up companies and accounts in exchange for payments or benefits, while others said they believed the accounts would be used for general online business activities. All five suspects, who are Thai nationals, were arrested on 17 December 2025 under warrants issued by the Criminal Court. They face charges of jointly organising or inviting participation in unauthorised online gambling, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering offences.

Police seized a large cache of evidence, including seven mobile phones, two iPads, one computer, 10 bank passbooks, company documents, corporate seals, land title deeds and other valuable assets. The suspects were handed over to investigators at Subdivision 2 of the Technology Crime Suppression Division for further legal proceedings. Authorities said four of the five suspects are also wanted under separate arrest warrants for similar gambling and money laundering cases issued by the Khon Kaen and Rayong provincial courts. The findings suggest an organised pattern of using corporate structures to obscure the origins and movement of illicit funds.

The CIB warned the public not to accept invitations to open companies or corporate bank accounts on behalf of others, even when offered financial incentives. Police stressed that directors and authorised signatories can be held criminally liable if such entities are used for illegal activities without their claimed knowledge.

Thaitabloid reported that investigations will continue to trace additional financial links and identify other individuals involved in the network. Members of the public who fall victim to online crime are advised to contact the Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre hotline on 1441 or report cases via the Thai Police Online website at any time.

Key Takeaways

• Police uncovered more than 100 million baht in gambling-related transactions moved through company accounts in four days.

• Five Thai company directors were arrested and charged with online gambling and money laundering offences.

• Authorities warn that acting as a company nominee or signatory can carry serious criminal liability.

Related StorieS

CIB-arrests-online-gambling-site-admin-at-Don-Mueang-airport

Police-arrest-five-Chinese-nationals-in-hotel-gambling-raid

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2025-12-21