Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Police have arrested a 28-year-old Malaysian national accused of playing a key role in a call centre scam that defrauded a retired Thai army colonel of 1.5 million baht. The suspect allegedly impersonated an official from Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to convince the victim that his bank funds were linked to drugs and scam networks. The arrest highlights the continued cross-border nature of organised scam operations targeting elderly victims.

The suspect, identified as Yong Chee Cheng, was arrested on 20 January 2026 by investigators from Tao Poon Police Station. He was detained at Room 1624 of the Nasa Hotel in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng area under Criminal Court arrest warrant No. 314/2569 dated 19 January 2026. He is charged with fraud by impersonation.

Police seized multiple items including 53,300 baht in cash, 63 Malaysian ringgit, three mobile phones, a printer, a digital scale, 47 brown envelopes, plastic bags and other equipment. Investigators believe the items were used to facilitate scam operations and manage cash transfers. The seized phones were allegedly used for coordination with accomplices.

The case began on 14 January 2026 when the victim, Pol Col Piya Jarukarn, 72, a retired army officer, filed a complaint with Tao Poon police. He reported receiving a call on 13 January 2026 from scammers claiming to be AMLO officials. They told him his bank account, containing 1.5 million baht, was linked to drugs and scam networks and ordered him to withdraw the cash for “verification”.

Believing the claim, the victim withdrew the money and handed it over at the car park of Regent Condo Phase 27 in Bang Sue, Bangkok. After losing contact with the supposed officials, he realised he had been defrauded and reported the incident. CCTV analysis later identified the cash courier as another Malaysian national, Amsar bin Ahmed.

Police said Amsar passed the money to Yong, who then transferred it onward as instructed by an unidentified mastermind based in Malaysia. Yong admitted he was hired from 25 December 2025 for 1,500 ringgit per week, with a bonus of 1,000 ringgit if he stayed one month. He claimed he never met the organiser and deleted all chat records after each transaction.

Daily News reported that investigators confirmed Amsar was arrested earlier on 14 January 2026 by Phanat Nikhom police in Chonburi. Authorities are now expanding the investigation to trace the final recipient of the cash and identify the Malaysian-based ringleader. Further arrests are expected as the probe continues.

Key Takeaways

• A Malaysian suspect was arrested in Bangkok for a call centre scam targeting a retired Thai colonel.

• The victim lost 1.5 million baht after scammers impersonated AMLO officials.

• Police are pursuing additional suspects, including an overseas organiser in Malaysia.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-21

 

 

A Malaysian suspect was arrested in Bangkok for a call centre scam targeting a retired Thai colonel.

Porkies gonna regret doing that.

Seems that the gang had some Intel on the colonel being linked to some criminal activity, otherwise he would have just told them to rack off wouldn't he...