The Special Investigation Division of Thailand announced the successful crackdown on a major online fraud case, arresting five key suspects and exposing the criminal gang's use of fake accounts for fraud and money laundering.
This operation was personally directed by Deputy Director of the Special Investigation Division, Lieutenant Colonel Yutthana Praedam, and Deputy Director-General Piya Raksakul, along with the Director of Foreign Affairs and International Crime, Police Lieutenant Colonel Thinwut Silapat, in collaboration with AMLO officials and the Forensic Science Institute.
In an apartment on Sinakharin Road in Bangkok, police successfully captured five suspects, including Mr. Igedi from Nigeria, and Ms. Oranong, Mr. Wiroj, Ms. Araya, and Ms. Kannika from Thailand.
According to investigations, these five suspects are accused of disguising themselves as others and jointly inputting false information into computer systems for money laundering and conspiracy to launder money.
They are charged as participants in a large-scale fraud operation, particularly Mr. Igedi and Ms. Oranong, a married couple identified as leaders of this operation. They were responsible for purchasing fake or unregistered proxy accounts nationwide and selling them to various criminal organizations, including fraud rings and illegal money laundering schemes.
These criminal organizations are not only involved in Thailand but also have close connections with drug traffickers and transnational organized crime groups in Cambodia, Hong Kong, South Korea, and South Africa.
One notable case involved a romance scam ring that lured people into falling in love and inviting them to invest, resulting in losses exceeding 50 million Thai Baht. The accounts receiving the victims' transfers were proxy accounts provided by Mr. Igedi and Ms. Oranong.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the criminal organization was linked to over 1000 risky accounts, with circulating funds exceeding 1.2 billion Thai Baht. Each broker provided around 100 accounts per month to Mr. Igedi and Ms. Oranong.
During the search operation, police found numerous bank books, mobile phones, SIM cards, ATM cards, and tablets, as well as clothing matching those seen in ATM withdrawal images.
The Special Investigation Division stated that besides the arrested suspects, many participants are still involved, including Thais and foreigners. The Division will continue to investigate and expand the findings, prosecute according to the law, and collaborate with the AMLO office to investigate financial routes and follow up on seizing related assets of the operation.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Division of Thailand also issued a warning that individuals who open proxy accounts for criminals could face criminal charges. Under the Royal Decree on Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes B.E. 2023, penalties can include up to three years in prison or a fine not exceeding 300,000 Thai Baht, or both. The Special Investigation Division urges the public to remain vigilant to avoid becoming victims of online fraud. If people wish to file complaints or report misconduct, they can do so through the official website of the Special Investigation Division. Special case investigators will collect evidence and proceed according to the law!
