Bangkok: Operation 'Bye Bye Dark Wallets' was launched to arrest a group of illegal e-Money service providers, resulting in the arrest of 12 leaders and revealing that money flowing out of the country totaled almost 400 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) conducted a comprehensive search of 10 target areas in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani. Utilizing search warrants, they inspected office buildings and warehouses, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects, including individuals and juristic persons. The investigation revealed that all five companies involved had violated the Payment Systems Act B.E. 2560 by providing unauthorized electronic money services, with a combined turnover nearing 400 million baht.
The search uncovered several assets associated with the crime, including six computers, six mobile phones, and other related evidence, such as an unauthorized platform, in line with investigation findings.
The operation discovered business operators on a website platform acting as intermediaries for users ordering products from China. Authorities identified a group of criminals exploiting this system to create an electronic money network linked to bank accounts or various applications, lacking supervision measures. This system was used to transfer money out of the country without permission, posing risks to user safety, evading taxes, and facilitating illegal money transfers or money laundering to benefit unauthorized businesses.
The service required users to register as members, open an e-wallet account, and top up via transfer to the company's bank account, causing a significant influx of public money into the system. Investigations also found that many companies listed unrelated individuals as shareholders or directors, with Chinese nationals being the actual owners and beneficiaries.
If such business operations remain unchecked by relevant agencies or are conducted by fraudsters, the unchecked outflow of money could cause severe damage to the country's economic system and result in extensive harm to the public.