Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Cyber police have dismantled an alleged scam operation in Pattaya, arresting two Chinese nationals and seizing dozens of electronic devices believed to be used in online fraud, including systems designed to intercept one-time passwords (OTP). The raid uncovered 26 mobile phones, laptops, cash and networking equipment, highlighting the scale of suspected cybercrime activity operating from a condominium.

The operation followed intelligence gathered by officers from Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Sub-Division 4 (CCIB 4), acting on orders from Pol Lt Gen Surapol Prembut, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. Investigators had tracked a group of Chinese nationals suspected of running call centre scams and communication “farms” targeting victims online from within Pattaya, Chonburi province.

On the evening of 29 January 2026, police led by Pol Col Suphakorn Thanyakam, Deputy Commander of CCIB 4, executed a search warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court (Warrant No. 29/2569). The search targeted a room on the sixth floor of a condominium, where officers found two Chinese men, Mr Liu Meng, aged 39 and Mr Shao Zhong, aged 49.

Inside the room, police discovered mobile phones scattered throughout the property, many displaying continuous Chinese-language notifications from the Telegram messaging application. When questioned, both suspects denied ownership of the devices and claimed they did not know the passwords, prompting police to prepare forensic examinations using specialised cybercrime tools.

During initial questioning, the suspects gave partial statements, claiming the equipment was used to scam other Chinese nationals through fake investment schemes and romance scams. They stated that any illicit proceeds were transferred directly to a higher-level organiser, though police said the explanations were inconsistent with the evidence gathered.

Authorities initially charged Mr Liu Meng with overstaying his permitted period in Thailand by more than 260 days, while Mr Shao Zhong was charged with failing to report a change of residence under the Immigration Act. Both men were taken into custody for legal proceedings, while further charges related to cybercrime remain under investigation.

Daily News reported that police seized 26 mobile phones of various brands, two Huawei laptop computers, one internet router, four notebooks and 103,400 baht in cash. Cyber police are now expanding the investigation to identify additional suspects, trace financial transactions and seize or freeze assets linked to technology-based crimes connected to the operation.

Key Takeaways

• Thai cyber police arrested two Chinese nationals in Pattaya over alleged online scam activities.

• Officers seized 26 mobile phones, computers, cash and networking equipment from the condo.

• Investigators are expanding the probe to dismantle the wider cybercrime network.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-31

 

 

China has recently announced Visa free entry to UK passport holders, thanks to Mr Starmer. What has not been mentioned is whether the UK will reciprocate or not. I fear that based on what I see of Thailand's experiences.

Looking at all those delicious iPhones and juicy wads of cash makes me mouth water 🤤

Good work if you can get it!