The Economic Crime Suppression Division of Thailand launched a nationwide operation called "Bye Bye Dark Wallets", raiding 10 suspected locations in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani, focusing on shutting down 5 illegal electronic wallet companies, exposing a large Chinese money laundering network, and arresting 12 suspects on-site with a total involved amount of 400 million Thai Baht.
This operation was personally directed by the chief of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, Tasanapong, targeting the following five "white-glove" companies:
TDR Co., Ltd
BTR Import & Export Co., Ltd
O-T-E Co., Ltd
Anan Cargo Express Co., Ltd
Your Bao Bao Co., Ltd
The above companies, controlled by Chinese capital and registered under Thai nationals, actually operate electronic wallet systems, helping in money laundering by linking with bank accounts and apps. The police seized 6 computers, 6 mobile phones, and a large amount of financial evidence at the scene, estimating that most of the involved funds have already been disguised and transferred out of the country, flowing to China.
Currently, the 12 suspects have been transferred to the Economic Crime Division 5 for further investigation, and the police are still tracking the masterminds and the complete transnational money laundering chain. The operation also alerts the public that in recent years, Chinese capital has been using Thailand's lax registration environment to set up payment platforms, becoming an important laundering factory for telecom fraud, illegal gambling, and underground banking.
The police remind that if you encounter operations such as "collection and payment on behalf", "platform brushing", or "commission charging", it is very likely to involve money laundering, and you should immediately report to the police or contact the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).
The Economic Crime Bureau stated that this operation is just the beginning, and the scope of the crackdown will continue to expand in the future, expecting more "electronic wallet" companies to emerge. Experts point out that this operation is not only a heavy blow to the transnational money laundering network but also reveals that money laundering crimes have deeply penetrated the Thai financial system, becoming a major concern for national security and economic stability. The police call on all sectors of society to raise awareness and jointly guard against the risk of money laundering.
