The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) of Thailand, in collaboration with the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police and the Immigration Bureau, arrested a 35-year-old Chinese man, De Min (transliterated), in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, near the Cambodian border.
He is charged with the unauthorized manufacture, use, import, and export of radio equipment, setting up an illegal communication station, and participating in cross-border telecommunications fraud. Meanwhile, at Suvarnabhumi Airport, a 37-year-old Chinese woman named Yin (transliterated) was arrested for allegedly assisting De Min in illegal activities.
Previously, Thai police launched a nationwide operation against telecommunications fraud, raiding 14 target locations across 9 provinces and seizing a large amount of communication equipment.
In Chiang Mai Province, a Thai woman named Jirapong (transliterated) was arrested. Investigations revealed that she, along with her Chinese husband De Min, was responsible for renting premises, paying operational costs, and managing fraud equipment.
Further investigations indicated that De Min was the mastermind behind the group. However, after an arrest warrant was issued, he quickly fled from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Pathom Province, abandoned his car, and sneaked into Bangkok, attempting to cross the border into Cambodia illegally. During this time, his Chinese wife Yin was accused of providing financial and logistical support.
Under close police surveillance, De Min was eventually arrested in the border area of Sa Kaeo Province, while Yin was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Both were charged with suspected involvement in telecommunications fraud and assisting in illegal activities.
Facing police charges, De Min denied the crimes during interrogation. He claimed to be unaware of his Thai wife's arrest and argued that he was merely planning to visit the market, not attempting to flee. De Min has now been transferred to a department under the CSD for further investigation.
The Thai police stated that cross-border telecommunications fraud not only severely impacts Thailand but also disrupts the international community's cybersecurity order. The police will continue to intensify their efforts and call on the public to be vigilant against fraud, to maintain social order together.
