The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) of Thailand has launched a major investigation into an online lottery gambling site called LTO Bet, which is involved in various categories of illegal online gambling operations, including government lotteries, Laos lotteries, Hanoi lotteries, stock lotteries, table tennis lotteries, and Yeekee lotteries.
Through technical means and intelligence gathering, the police successfully cracked down on this transnational gambling and money laundering syndicate.
Detailed Investigation Reveals Criminal Network
The police analyzed the operation of the entire criminal network by tracking the financial activities of payment and withdrawal accounts. During this period, various advanced investigative techniques were used, including digital data tracking, financial flow analysis, and in-depth background checks of related personnel, providing solid evidence for the case.
The investigation showed that the core members of the criminal network had clear roles, including system administrators, remitters, and recipients responsible for the circulation of funds. Based on the evidence collected, the police applied for arrest warrants and legally prosecuted the involved individuals, charging them with:
Organizing gambling: Soliciting others to participate in gambling through electronic media without official permission.
Money laundering crime: Multiple individuals conspiring to commit money laundering and providing cover for illegal proceeds.
Suspects Caught and Assets Seized
During the operation, the police arrested 8 suspects, including:
Funds circulation team: 4 individuals responsible for handling gambling funds and withdrawals, known as "mule accounts."
Withdrawal account managers: 2 individuals.
Main money laundering suspect: 1 individual.
Benefit fee sharers: 1 individual.
Additionally, the police seized a large amount of assets involved in the case, preliminarily estimated to be worth over 300 million Thai Baht, including:
Cash: 58.975 million Thai Baht.
Bankbooks: 34.
Electronic devices: 15 mobile phones, 12 computers and laptops.
Vehicles: A white Audi Q3 valued at 2.3 million Thai Baht.
Government Savings Bank bonds: 3.6 million Thai Baht.
Land deeds: 35, valued at approximately 250 million Thai Baht.
Other properties: Cash counting machines and related documents.
International Perspective on Gambling and Money Laundering
The investigation revealed that the syndicate not only operated gambling businesses locally in Thailand but was also closely linked to cross-border money laundering activities, possessing a complex financial operation network.
The police disclosed that some of the funds from the site might also be linked to criminal activities in other countries, and further international cooperation may be pursued in the future to completely dismantle this network.
Police Statement and Future Actions
The spokesperson for the TCSD stated that this operation demonstrated the Thai police's "zero tolerance" attitude towards illegal gambling and money laundering crimes. The police will continue to maintain a high-pressure crackdown on similar criminal activities and work closely with relevant international agencies to ensure that criminals have nowhere to hide.
Currently, the suspects involved have been transferred to the judicial department, awaiting further trial and punishment.
