CIB Arrests 63-Year-Old in Fake Gold Trading Scam

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a 63-year-old woman in connection with a large-scale online investment fraud involving fake social media pages impersonating well-known gold shops. Police say the network lured victims into trading gold-related stocks with promises of high returns, only to block withdrawals, with financial transactions linked to the operation totalling more than 1.2 billion baht. The latest arrest brings further momentum to a nationwide crackdown on organised online scams.

The case forms part of “CIB Anti-Online Scam: Digging Out the Roots of Fake Investment Pages”, led by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD). Investigators found that the group created fraudulent Facebook pages posing as reputable gold retailers and invited members of the public to invest in gold stock trading schemes, claiming returns of 20–30 percent. Victims initially received small payouts to build trust before being prevented from withdrawing larger sums and eventually losing contact with the operators.

On 17 January 2026, officers arrested Ms Anonglak, aged 63, under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on 4 October 2023. She was detained outside Tha Bo Police Station in Tha Bo district, Nong Khai province. She faces charges including public fraud, impersonation, inputting false information into a computer system and participating in fraudulent public lending.

Authorities have issued arrest warrants for more than 50 suspects believed to be involved in the wider network. To date, 26 suspects have been arrested, including four Chinese nationals identified as senior leaders directing the operation.

During earlier raids, police seized bank passbooks, SIM cards, computers and other assets valued at over 30 million baht. Financial tracing revealed that money flowing through accounts linked to the network amounted to approximately 1.2 billion baht. Investigators say the scale and structure of the scheme point to a highly organised transnational fraud operation.

During preliminary questioning, the latest suspect denied all charges but admitted she had been approached to open SIM cards and undergo facial scans for identity verification. She said she received 200 baht in return and later learned the data had allegedly been used to open bank accounts and link SIM cards for online criminal activities.

The CIB has warned the public that allowing others to use bank accounts or SIM cards carries severe penalties. Offenders face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 300,000 baht, or both, while those who recruit or facilitate others risk heavier sentences of two to five years and fines of 200,000 to 500,000 baht. Police say further arrests and asset seizures are expected as the investigation continues.

Key Takeaways

• Police arrested a 63-year-old woman linked to a fake gold trading investment scam on 17 January 2026.

• Investigators traced more than 1.2 billion baht in financial transactions through the fraud network.

• Authorities warn that lending bank accounts or SIM cards can result in heavy criminal penalties.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-20