Thai Police Capture Malaysian Scam Leader After Cambodia Escape

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

Thai authorities have apprehended Malaysian national Ang Joo, suspected of leading a call-center scam network. Ang was detained on December 22 in the Sa Kaeo province near the Thai-Cambodian border, after allegedly entering Thailand illegally due to border unrest. The arrest was based on warrants issued on March 5, 2024, for several charges, including public fraud, false information input, and illegal telecommunications activity.

This operation followed a police raid in Bangkok's Lat Phrao area, where authorities seized four GSM gateway devices, or "sim boxes," that scam networks use to mask fraudulent calls. Subsequently, police arrested Kevin, an Indonesian man, and his Thai wife, Jiranan, in Phetchaburi province. The couple confessed to setting up the sim boxes under Ang's direction, helping investigators link Ang to the broader scam operation.

Ang was reportedly managing the network from Poipet, Cambodia, and orchestrated the installation of telecommunications equipment in Thailand. Border unrest led Ang to flee Cambodia, entering Thailand illegally amid fear for his safety. His arrest is a result of the intensified investigation and cooperation among Thai authorities.

Following his capture, Ang admitted to instructing Kevin to position the sim box devices across Thailand. He explained that his departure from Cambodia was a safety measure amidst violence along the Thai-Cambodian border. Ang has now been transferred to Thai authorities for further legal proceedings, reported Khaosod.

Key Takeaways

• Ang Joo, a Malaysian suspect, has been arrested for leading a call-center scam.
• He allegedly fled Cambodia due to violence and crossed into Thailand illegally.
• Authorities linked Ang to the scam through evidence found in seized equipment.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-12-22