Thai police arrest more than 15 foreign nationals in raid on alleged crypto scam site

The Thai police have apprehended more than fifteen foreigners in a raid at a building off Soi Nuanchan in Bangkok. According to authorities, the foreign nationals were caught using a website designed to carry out cryptocurrency scams to lure victims into their fraudulent investment schemes.

According to local media outlets, the raid was carried out around 8:30 PM on Friday, with authorities noting that it was neighbors who alerted them to the activities going on in the buildings. Neighbors complained about foreign nationals walking around and making loud noises at the back of the alley between sois 36 and 38 in Bung Kum district, Pol Lt Col Siam Boonsom, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said on Saturday.

Thailand police arrest foreign nationals in crypto scam site raid

According to Boonsom, the building looked like a warehouse, with a car park. He mentioned that when the police got to the location, they met two foreign nationals standing outside and asked to search the premises, but they were unable to communicate effectively. Shortly after, the owner of the building arrived and allowed the police access to the building to carry out their search.

The police mentioned that the building was large and without windows. They also mentioned that there was a door to another room fitted with a sliding peephole, which officers opened and saw several people sitting in front of computers.

As the officers entered the building, the ones inside tried to escape through a back door, but they were unsuccessful. Thailand police said it has detained about 15 people, including nine individuals from Azerbaijan, five from Georgia, and a Ukrainian.

Thailand police also reported that numerous electronic devices, including computers, phones, and internet routers, were seized from the suspects. In addition, the police stumbled on several scripts containing their modus operandi and how they communicate with prospective victims.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects operated a website where they lured people to invest in digital assets schemes. The suspects were taken into custody pending further investigation.

The Thai government intensifies its crackdown on criminals

Thailand has been cracking down on crypto criminals over the last few months. According to a previous Cryptopolitan report, Tether, in collaboration with local Thailand police, announced the recovery of $12 million.

The funds were linked to a transnational scam operating across Southeast Asia. “This operation highlights how blockchain transparency can empower law enforcement to act quickly and effectively against criminal activity,” Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, said.

The Thai government acknowledged the crackdown, noting that it was in line with its national agenda against crypto scams, fraud, and money laundering. The Prime Minister Anutin Charnvikarul announced the results at a press conference held recently. The government highlighted that local police had seized more than 14 million baht ($432,000) in digital assets, and the victims have been reimbursed.

According to the PM, authorities apprehended the network of former Cambodian Senator Ly Yong Phat for their alleged involvement in laundering money linked to online scams.

The report mentioned that the operation resulted in the recovery of 400 million baht ($12 million U.S. dollars). Charnvirakul highlighted the need to ensure public safety by educating the public with the proper knowledge on how to protect themselves from cyber-related crimes.

Meanwhile, the United States has announced the formation of a joint task force to counter crypto-related scams and fraudulent investment schemes targeting Americans across Southeast Asia.

According to United States Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Americans have lost over $9 billion to these criminals. She noted that the figures have also been heavily impacted by underreporting due to some victims not speaking up. The task force is expected to target criminals luring Americans with fraudulent crypto investment opportunities.

If you’re reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter.

Source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/thailand-police-arrest-15-foreigners/