Tuesday, June 3, 2025
29.7 C
Singapore

Man with over 1000 phones and over 200 sim cards used for scam operations arrested in Thailand

- Advertisement -

THAILAND: Thai security officials have arrested a man and seized a significant quantity of electronic devices linked to a call centre scam network operating across borders. The arrest took place in Mae Ramat district, Tak province, a key area near the Thai-Myanmar border known for illicit activities.

The Bangkok Post reported that a coordinated effort by soldiers from the Ratchamanu Task Force, border patrol police, and administrative officials led to the interception of a suspicious vehicle transporting mobile phones, SIM cards, and computers.

Discovery of seized items

During a routine checkpoint operation on Saturday, officials stopped a Toyota pickup truck for inspection in Tambon Mae Ramat. A search of the vehicle discovered 1,251 mobile phones, 274 SIM cards, and 19 computers, all believed to be linked to scam operations.

The driver, identified only as Tid, 45, admitted to being hired for 5,000 baht (S$200) to collect and transport the items. He stated that he had picked up the items from a location by the Moei River at Bann Nam Dib Bon Warn village in Mae Ramat district.

- Advertisement -
See also  Comparison bewteen Singapore’s “Speakers' Corner” vs HK-style protests

Upon interrogation, he was cooperative and confessed that his instructions were to deliver the package via a private parcel delivery service to a recipient named Pawalee in Watthana Nakhon district, Sa Kaeo province, near the Cambodian border.

Call-centre scam traced to Myanmar

Col Natthakorn Ruantip, commander of the Ratchamanu Task Force, revealed that an initial investigation pointed to the electronic devices being part of a call-centre scam network based in Myawaddy, Myanmar. This town, located just across the border from Mae Sot in Tak province, is a known hotspot for illicit online fraud operations.

Authorities suspect that the scam network was planning to shift its operations to Cambodia, specifically to an area opposite Sa Kaeo province, where other fraudulent call centres have been established. This move may be an attempt to evade increasing law enforcement pressure in Myanmar and Thailand.

Ongoing investigation

Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation to identify additional individuals involved in the scam network. Tid has been taken to Mae Ramat police station for further questioning and legal proceedings.

- Advertisement -
See also  TikTok says it made a mistake in blocking US teen who posted critical videos of China

The seizure of these electronic devices marks another step in Thailand’s efforts to combat transnational fraud networks, which have been exploiting vulnerable individuals through online scams. Authorities remain vigilant, particularly in border regions where such activities are prevalent.

- Advertisement -

Hot this week

Demands, deals, and legal chaos unleashed in Trump’s high-stakes trade war

INTERNATIONAL: The Trump administration is assertive in its endeavors...

Popular Categories