The Third Division of the Technology Crime Suppression Division under Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested two key members of a telecom fraud syndicate in Nonthaburi Province—Pakin (alias "Lai") and Thipawan (alias "Mina"). The two are suspected of jointly defrauding the public, participating in a criminal organization (gang organization), and disseminating false information via computer systems, causing public losses, among other charges. Police also seized assets involved in the case worth more than 8 million baht (approximately RM 990,000).
The case originated from a victim’s report. The victim stated that they saw product information on a Facebook page named “Clearance Authentic Branded Bags” and were lured to click a link and join a LINE group to participate in so-called online product sales activities. The fraud group, under the pretext of “improving store credibility,” repeatedly induced the victim to make additional transfers until the victim realized they could not withdraw their funds and realized they had been scammed.
The Technology Crime Suppression Division then traced the flow of funds and identified the suspect Niwa. The investigation found that he was responsible for withdrawing illegal funds, recruiting "mule accounts," publishing recruitment information via Facebook, arranging for others to open accounts, and then driving people to withdraw money at ATMs, earning a reward of 5,000 baht (about RM 619) each time. Upon his arrest, police seized a large number of mobile phones, ATM cards, and vehicle registration documents as evidence.
As the investigation deepened, police further arrested Pakin and Thipawan. The two held managerial roles in the fraud syndicate, responsible for coordinating the search for withdrawal accounts, arranging fund transfers, and serving as liaisons between the Chinese masterminds and lower-level members, profiting from the scheme. Police also discovered that Pakin had previously been convicted of intentional assault and violating the Immigration Act.
The Central Investigation Bureau reminds the public not to easily trust online invitations to join merchant groups or advertisements requiring you to transfer money to complete tasks or assist with online product sales; these are common fraud tactics. Police emphasize that any act of receiving, transferring, holding, or processing criminal proceeds may constitute money laundering, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of 200,000 baht (about RM 24,800), or both. Offenders also bear corresponding criminal and civil legal responsibilities.