Bangkok: Metropolitan Police investigators have successfully dismantled a call center gang that deceived individuals into transferring money for online gold purchases, amassing a total of 4.5 million baht. A search operation conducted in a hotel room led to the discovery of legal documents, mule accounts, and methamphetamine pills.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation expanded to the eighth floor of a hotel in the Ratchadaphisek area following a report from the Royal Thai Police's War Room. The report highlighted unusual financial activities, including a transfer of 4,500,000 baht for the purchase of 80 baht worth of gold online. Two suspects were previously apprehended in the Yaowarat area after receiving gold, and they revealed that they used the hotel room for transaction orders and gold collection.
During the search, authorities uncovered a large suite containing seals of 10 legal entities, company registration documents, three bank books, three mobile phones, three bags of gold, and ten bundles of methamphetamine pills, totaling 1,000 pills, along with drug paraphernalia.
Additionally, five more rooms were discovered on the 7th floor, serving as bedrooms and offices. Three additional male members of the gang were arrested during the operation.
One accomplice confessed to being recruited through an application to work at a loan company, which functioned as a front for money transfers and withdrawals from mule accounts. His role involved facial scans for money transfers and collecting gold from various shops, for which he earned a monthly salary ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 baht. Regarding the methamphetamine pills found, he admitted to consuming 10 pills daily and drinking kratom water, with someone supplying the drugs and food.
This proactive operation by the Royal Thai Police aims to prevent financial damage by intercepting funds before they reach the network. Police have successfully blocked over 100 million baht in funds transferred by victims to this network. The information was obtained by noon yesterday, and the investigation expanded to all involved within just two hours.