General

Another Suspect Arrested in Call Center Fraud Targeting Teen and Grandmother

Bangkok: Cyber police have arrested another suspect involved in a call center fraud case that defrauded a 17-year-old and her grandmother out of 3.4 million baht. The authorities are determined to continue their investigation and ensure that all culprits are brought to justice.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthasit Sutsongwan, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Investigation Division, along with other high-ranking officials, announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the fraud case. The call center gang had previously deceived the young girl and her grandmother, prompting the police to intensify their efforts to apprehend all involved.

Pol. Col. Atthasit revealed that the Cyber Police Division 1, in collaboration with Technology Crime Suppression Division 3, had secured arrest warrants for nine suspects. Before the latest arrest, two individuals had already been detained: Mr. Phimakon in December 2014 and Ms. Kannika in January 2015, both apprehended at the Ban Khlong Luek border crossing in Sa Kaeo Province.

On January 14, cyber police officers managed to arrest Mr. Marut, the third suspect in the network, in Samut Prakan Province. An investigation had revealed his movements, allowing officers to plan his capture. The suspect was eventually intercepted while traveling back to Nakhon Ratchasima Province, thanks to coordinated efforts with Ban Prang Police Station.

Pol. Col. Chatchapan Kan reported that Mr. Marut was found with an arrest warrant for multiple offenses, including fraud, impersonation, and money laundering. The suspect was taken into custody for further legal proceedings under the supervision of Sub-Division 1, Technology Crime Suppression Division 3.

Pol. Col. Atthasit stated that the police remain committed to capturing the remaining suspects and will not allow them to evade justice. The authorities are also looking into connections with a Chinese gang based in Cambodia, as the case is linked to a broader network of call center frauds. They plan to engage in discussions with Cambodian officials to address security concerns and enhance cooperation in tackling such crimes.