Bangkok: Cyber police have arrested a Thai woman, the alleged mastermind of a major online gambling network, at an airport as she attempted to flee to Hong Kong. The arrest comes as part of a larger crackdown on the gambling website 3AVIPBET, which reportedly generated over 120 million baht in turnover annually. Alongside the woman, five other members of the network were apprehended, and assets worth over 7 million baht have been seized.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Commissioner of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), announced the operation's success, labeling the gambling platform as a 'homework website'-a term derived from citizen complaints submitted to the Cyber Patrol system. These complaints led to rigorous investigations and subsequent prosecutions of those involved in the gambling operations.
Investigations revealed that the programmers behind the gambling network may be based near the Mae Sai District border, in a neighboring country. Despite efforts to cut off utilities to these regions as a tactic to dismantle the network, the operators adapted by using satellite internet connections and alternative utility sources. This resilience has allowed the network to maintain its operations, although government interventions have notably reduced online crime reports.
Pol. Col. Arunphan Wanitchanan, Superintendent of the Technology Crime Suppression Division 3, disclosed that the website had been operational since 2020, accruing substantial monthly turnovers. Following the collection of evidence, arrest warrants were issued for nine suspects, leading to searches in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Bangkok.
Among those arrested were Ms. Arunrat, Ms. Wilaiwan, Mr. Jiraphong, and Ms. Natthakrita, who were captured at a luxury condominium in the Ratchada-Huai Khwang area. Another suspect, Ms. Ratchaniwan, was detained at the Suvarnabhumi Airport as she attempted to leave the country. While some suspects have confessed to their involvement, Ms. Ratchaniwan denies the charges.
The suspects face charges of organizing illegal gambling, enticing others to gamble, and money laundering. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend remaining network members and are expanding their investigations to include other associated individuals, both Thai and foreign. The goal is to hold all parties accountable and seize all assets gained through these criminal activities.