Cyber police in Thailand have shut down two online gambling networks and confiscated millions of baht in illicit funds during a recent crackdown.
The police operation took place on February 15th and was carried out by the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) of the Royal Thai Police. It resulted in the seizure of over THB18 million ($499,000) in cash and the arrest of 26 individuals tied to gambling websites called ramruy.net and pok9.com. The illegal operations are said to have turned over in excess of THB300 million ($8.3 million) per month.
The crackdown was led by Prasert Jantararuangtong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, and Police Lieutenant General Worawat Watnakornbancha, Chief of TCSD. Among the arrested individuals were betting agents, financial managers and beneficiaries of the operation. Additionally, assets worth over THB40 million ($1.13 million), including vehicles, designer bags, and luxury watches, were also confiscated during the operation.
Separately, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the country detained two South Korean nationals in Bangkok for operating an illegal online gambling platform and overstaying their visas. The two suspects, age 30 and 38, were arrested at separate locations in Bangkok and are accused of being involved in the operation of a gambling outfit called Oppa Casino. The individuals now face criminal proceedings in Thailand and extradition to their home country where additional charges will likely be filed against them.
