Bangkok: Cyber police have confirmed that 119 Thais arrested in Poipet were involved in illegal activities. Authorities are urgently discussing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to address loopholes in digital currency conversion.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), revealed details of the interrogation of 93 Thai suspects. The interrogation of over 20 suspects has already taken place, with all confessing to participating in fraudulent activities based in the Phutthasuan building, a known call center gang office. These activities included various scams such as threats, love, and investment frauds.
The testimonies align with victim allegations in the Thai Police Online system and corroborate the Cambodian authorities' findings that these individuals willingly participated in the fraudulent operations. The police are examining electronic devices seized from the suspects to gather further evidence.
Local agencies, led by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), are tasked with screening suspects or victims. The cyber police are focusing on criminal investigations leading to evidence and arrest warrants. The offenses qualify as transnational crime, involving multiple individuals and states, as the crimes were executed from Cambodia, targeting individuals in Thailand. The charges include joint fraud, participation in gang activities, and disseminating false information via computer systems.
Initial investigations have led to arrest warrants for two Chinese nationals believed to be orchestrating the operations, while the 119 Thais were identified as employees, not management. The police discovered 20 foreign executives involved and are tracing financial transactions linked to the crimes. The proceeds were reportedly converted into digital currencies and moved out of the country. Discussions have been held with the Bank of Thailand, and today, with the SEC, to determine the digital currency's financial trails.
Interrogations revealed that call center operatives earned 20,000 baht per person plus a 5% commission. However, crossing the border incurred a fee, indebting individuals by 70,000 baht to the company, necessitating either repayment or working to clear the debt over seven months.
Furthermore, the investigation uncovered 15 Thais, not yet issued arrest warrants, who voluntarily worked on gambling websites, thus not classified as transnational organized crime participants. The investigation continues to ascertain the involvement of an additional 100 individuals, who have been fined for illegal entry and exit, as per the Immigration Bureau. Separate legal proceedings are being considered for two juveniles involved.
The interrogation process is anticipated to conclude by tomorrow morning, potentially clarifying the status of those yet to be prosecuted. Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut, the National Police Commissioner, is scheduled to hold a press conference tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.