Dozens of Thai and Chinese nationals were arrested, large sums were seized, and the scheme included dropping accounts.

An international fraud network has been smashed in Thailand: Thai and Chinese citizens have been arrested.

In coordinated raids conducted in Chonburi, Rayong, and Samutprakan provinces, Thai police have arrested 18 Thai and 13 Chinese nationals on suspicion of organizing a large-scale fraud network. Wednesday’s operation was the culmination of an investigation into a criminal group that specialized in defrauding citizens using a variety of schemes.

Major General Atip Pongsiwapai, commander of the Technology Crime Unit, said the raids resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of evidence, including 49 bank books, 49 ATM cards, 66 mobile phones, two laptops, three cars, two motorbikes, valuables and about one million Thai baht in cash. The detainees face charges of public fraud, money laundering, and unlawful conspiracy.

The fraud scheme involved the use of fake sales pitches, investment projects, fictitious job offers, and even intimidating the victims with criminal charges. Police found that victims filed 291 complaints about the group’s activities.

In addition, criminals recruited people to open so-called ‘drop accounts’ – accounts used to transfer and cash out illegally obtained funds. The account holders were held in Rayong province and forced to withdraw or transfer money from ATMs under threat of physical violence. Those who refused were subjected to violence.

According to Colonel Supot Phumyam, chief of the Second Technology Crime Unit, the Thai suspects admitted that they were hired by a Chinese national and that between 1 million and 2 million Thai baht passed through the accounts under their control every day.

One of the Chinese suspects, 40-year-old Zhengdong, was detained at Suvarnabhumi Airport while trying to leave Thailand. Police identified him as a high-ranking member of the criminal organization.

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