Thai police raided a building off Soi Nuang Chan in Bangkok and arrested more than 15 foreigners. According to authorities, the foreign nationals were caught using websites designed to carry out cryptocurrency fraud, luring victims into fraudulent investment schemes.
According to local media, the raid took place on Friday around 8:30 p.m., with authorities noting that a neighbor had reported activity occurring inside the building. Lieutenant Colonel Siam Boon Sam, head of the Metropolitan Police Department, said on Saturday that neighbors had complained that foreigners were walking around and making loud noises at the end of an alley between Soi 36 and Soi 38 in the Bun Khum district.
Thai police arrest foreigner in attack on virtual currency fraud website
Boonsam said the building appeared to be a warehouse with a parking lot. He said that when police arrived at the scene, they met two foreign nationals who were standing outside and asked them to search the premises, but they were unable to communicate effectively. Shortly thereafter, the building owner arrived and allowed police to enter the building to conduct a search.
Police said the building was large and had no windows. He also said the door to another room had a sliding peephole, and when the officer opened it, he saw several people sitting at computers.
Once officers entered the building, those inside attempted to escape through a back door, but were unsuccessful. Thai police said they had detained about 15 people, including nine Azerbaijanis, five Georgians and one Ukrainian.
Thai police also reported that a number of electronic devices, including computers, phones and internet routers, were seized from the suspects. Additionally, police discovered several scripts containing their modus operandi and how to communicate with potential victims.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects were operating a website soliciting people to invest in digital asset schemes. The suspects were detained pending further investigation.
Thai government strengthens crackdown on criminals
Thailand has been cracking down on crypto criminals in recent months. As previously reported by Cryptopolitan, Tether has announced that it has worked with local police in Thailand to recover $12 million.
The funds were linked to a cross-border scam operating across Southeast Asia. “This operation highlights how the transparency of blockchain enables law enforcement to take swift and effective action against criminal activity,” said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.
The Thai government acknowledged the crackdown, noting that it is in line with the national challenge against crypto fraud, fraud and money laundering. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvikarlu announced the results at a recent press conference. The government stressed that local police seized digital assets worth more than 14 million baht ($432,000) and that victims were reimbursed.
According to the prime minister, authorities have arrested former Cambodian senator Lee Yong Huat’s network for allegedly being involved in money laundering related to online fraud.
The report said the operation recovered 400 million baht (US$12 million). Mr. Charnvirakul emphasized the need to ensure public safety by educating the public with proper knowledge on how to protect themselves from cyber-related crimes.
Meanwhile, the United States announced the establishment of a joint task force to combat cryptocurrency-related scams and fraudulent investment schemes targeting Americans across Southeast Asia.
According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Americans have lost more than $9 billion to these criminals. He pointed out that the numbers were also heavily influenced by under-reporting due to some victims not speaking up. The task force is expected to target criminals who lure Americans with fraudulent cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
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