By Trend News Line 2024-05-19 00:11:54.
The Arrest of Twelve Thai Call Centre Scam Gang Suspects in Cambodia
In a recent operation named “Hang Up,” the Royal Thai police‘s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) successfully apprehended twelve suspects involved in a call centre scam operation based in Cambodia. The leader of the gang, identified as Pathipan or A-Ching, along with eleven other members, were arrested at their base in O Smach City in Oddar Meanchey province, near the Thailand border of Surin province.
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Arrest and Investigation Details
The arrest was made possible through a joint effort between CCIB Division 2 and Cambodian police. The Criminal Court had issued arrest warrants for all fifteen members of the gang, with twelve suspects aged between 21-35 being captured during the operation. However, three members managed to evade arrest and are currently being pursued by the authorities.
The investigation into the gang’s activities began after a victim reported being scammed by the group. The victim had allegedly transferred a total of 2.37 million baht in savings to the scammers, resulting in significant financial loss. According to Pol Lt Gen Worawat Watnakornbancha, the gang had been raking in at least 1 billion baht in income annually from their fraudulent schemes, primarily targeting retirees.
Modus Operandi of the Scam Gang
The gang had a well-organized system in place, with members playing different roles such as bankers, police officers, and advisors during their scam calls. The initial contact would typically be made by a fake banker informing the victim of alleged money laundering activities. Subsequent calls would involve fake police officers instructing the victim to transfer money for further investigation, often using intimidation tactics to coerce compliance.
The Cambodian police revealed that some Thai nationals had been coerced into working for the gang as scam operators, prompting them to seek help from the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh. Four victims who were forced to work for the gang were rescued prior to the arrest operation.
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Biography of the Gang Leader
Pathipan, the leader of the scam gang, was known for his ruthless tactics in maintaining control over his team. Suspects admitted to working under his command, with reports indicating that he would physically punish team members, including administering electric shocks, if they failed to meet the weekly target of 20 million baht. The gang’s elaborate scheme and coercive tactics highlight the extent of their criminal activities and the impact on their victims.
The successful arrest of the gang members represents a significant milestone in combating call centre scams in the region. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies from both Thailand and Cambodia have led to the dismantling of a sophisticated criminal network that preyed on vulnerable individuals for financial gain. The investigation into the gang’s operations is ongoing, with authorities working to bring all perpetrators to justice and prevent further incidents of fraud in the future..
– Bangkok Post Thai call centre gangsters arrested in Cambodia
– Thai call centre gangsters arrested in Cambodia Bangkok Post.
