Bangkok: Arrest warrants have been issued for 15 Thai nationals who were allegedly organizing illegal online gambling activities after returning from Poipet, Cambodia. This announcement was made during a press conference led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, along with other relevant officials.
According to Thai News Agency, the warrants are a continuation of efforts following a raid conducted by Cambodian authorities on a call center gang in Poipet Subdistrict, which led to the arrest of 119 Thais in February. These individuals were returned to Thailand for further investigation and legal action. Out of this group, 93 have already been arrested and face charges related to transnational crime, gang membership, public fraud, and the importation of false computer data.
Since their return to Thailand, seven individuals were apprehended by Provincial Police Region 2 for unrelated offenses. The remaining suspects include four youths aged 17 and the 15 individuals now targeted by the latest warrants, who were reportedly operating out of the K2 building and involved in online gambling.
Investigators have gathered substantial evidence against these 15 individuals, implicating them in organizing online gambling activities such as Hi-Lo, Pokdeng, Ruea Phai, and Eight Nine. These games were reportedly facilitated through websites and Line groups that allowed players to interact. So far, Cyber Police have managed to apprehend five of the suspects, with efforts underway to locate the remaining ten.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong emphasized that the suspects used livestreams to lure participants into gambling, employing techniques like dolls and hammers to demonstrate the fairness of dice games, despite the inherent deception in such online setups. He warned organizers and participants of the serious legal consequences, noting that such activities are considered transnational crimes if conducted abroad, and remain illegal under Thai law if carried out domestically.
Furthermore, the Cyber Police have been successful in dismantling various fraudulent operations, including a notorious call center gang, resulting in the arrest of four suspects involved in multiple scams and illegal gambling, causing significant financial damages.
The crackdown has led to a 60 percent reduction in online complaints, with the Technology Crime Suppression Division committed to continuing their efforts against such illegal activities. 'It will not end. It will not stop,' affirmed the commander.
