The Cyber Police in Chonburi Province, Thailand, at the headquarters of the Technology Crime Suppression Division in Mueang Thani, announced the investigation progress of a high-profile fraud case. The case involves a scam gang named Ploy Phet, with victims including the famous beauty queen Charlotte Austin. 28-year-old Thanawut was arrested for impersonating a police officer and extorting money through video calls.
According to the arrest warrant issued by the Bangkok Criminal Court on February 1 (No. 153/2568), Thanawut was arrested in Bang Lamung County, Chonburi Province, on February 2.
He faces multiple charges including impersonation and conspiracy to launder money.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Division, in collaboration with the Anti-Technology Crime Division and the Attorney General's Office, continues to interrogate Thanawut and has brought additional charges against him.
The investigation revealed that Thanawut was involved in a call center gang primarily engaged in telephone fraud, targeting Charlotte Austin. It was found that Thanawut joined the gang on July 14, 2023, initially as a caller on Line 1, later promoted to Line 2.
His role was to impersonate various officials, gain the trust of victims through video calls, collect a 5% commission, and then transfer the victims to Line 3 for the final remittance attempt.
It is reported that Thanawut experienced a heart problem on January 23, 2023, and was temporarily released to receive treatment in Thailand, escaping the gang's control. After returning to Thailand through informal channels, he was eventually arrested.
The Cyber Police are also further investigating other cases related to the Austin case to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. In the Austin case, the police had previously arrested an individual related to a "money mule" account and issued an arrest warrant for a Cambodian suspect.
The investigation also found that these financial transactions were related to another case involving a 17-year-old victim.
Thanawut's role as a second-line player in the gang was crucial in defrauding Austin and also related to the losses of two other victims (over 9 million Thai Baht). The Cyber Police continue to investigate whether Thanawut is involved in more cases, including those involving minors and 75 other cases.
Thanawut has admitted to all charges, including fraud, intimidation, entering false information into computer systems, and participating in a transnational criminal organization. The police are coordinating with the Anti-Technology Crime Division to ensure comprehensive legal action is taken against the transnational crime gang.
