Sa Kaeo: The Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) has announced an urgent screening process for 119 Thai call center gang members to determine whether they were victims tricked into working or if they volunteered to join the gang. This step is crucial before any legal action is considered.
According to Thai News Agency, the individuals were handed over to Thai authorities by Cambodian officials following a crackdown on the Poipet side and were subsequently brought to Sa Kaeo Province for prosecution. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwpaen, Commander of the TCSD, stated that the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is actively managing these cases, offering assistance and protection to victims of human trafficking and forced labor. The investigation is conducted by the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, Region 2 Police, the Crime Suppression Division, the Immigration Bureau, and the TCSD.
The initial investigation through the crime system and Thaipolice online revealed arrest warrants for seven individuals, with 11 warrants related to drug cases and online fraud. Additionally, 10 individuals had 46 reports in the Thaipolice online system, with seven matching existing arrest warrants. Those identified as perpetrators will face prosecution for fraud and being part of a transnational criminal organization, which aligns with the Money Laundering Act criteria. This will prompt an investigation into their financial activities to allow the AMLO to seize and later distribute assets to victims.
During the operation in Poipet, 121 mobile phones and electronic devices belonging to the Thais were recovered. The data from these devices will be examined to further the investigation since many gang members managed to escape during the crackdown.
The Cambodian government has stated that all 119 individuals voluntarily worked for the call center gang. However, a thorough investigation will confirm whether they were victims or willing participants. Media images from the Cambodian authorities' operation showed attempts to flee rather than seek help, which is unusual for victims. This, coupled with the fact that all 119 individuals had mobile phones, suggests that most were not coerced.
Once the screening process or NRM is completed, suspects will be detained for prosecution with the TCSD leading the investigation. Following the filing of charges, they will be taken to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road for further detention.