Thai cyber police seize gambling assets worth 190 million baht

The Thai cyber police have made a significant breakthrough by arresting the owner of two major online gambling networks and seizing assets worth 190 million baht. The operation targeted websites that used cartoon profile pictures to attract young gamblers, generating over 480 million baht annually.

Major Crackdown by TCSD

The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) in Mueang Thong Thani announced the successful crackdown on the websites kingpigs1.com and duckystars.com. During the raid, police confiscated luxury cars, 7.9 million baht in cash, and land deeds in Phuket, Phang Nga, Songkhla, and Krabi, amounting to a total of 190 million baht in assets.

Details of the Operation

Police General Worawat Watnakornbancha of the TCSD, along with other high-ranking officials, revealed that the two gambling networks were managed by a single owner who had been in operation for over five years. The networks boasted a combined membership of over 50,000 users and generated annual transactions exceeding 480 million baht.

"The investigation revealed that both networks were owned by the same three individuals who acted as financiers, delegating the management of the websites, finances, and mule accounts to staff," stated General Worawat.

Attracting Young Gamblers

Further investigations uncovered that the gambling networks used football betting and other forms of gambling accessible to the general public. Police gathered evidence and obtained arrest warrants for 13 individuals involved in the operations, including three owners, one manager, and nine employees and mule account holders. The court also issued search warrants for four targeted locations, leading to the arrest of four suspects, including the owners and the manager.

Police Colonel Surapong Thaiprasert explained that the gambling networks used cartoon images to lure young gamblers. In some cases, if a young gambler lacked a bank account, administrators would coax them into registering their parents’ bank or credit card details. Youths were sometimes manipulated into sending explicit images or opening ghost SIM accounts under the pretense of receiving their gambling winnings.

"Parents should be vigilant and monitor their children’s behavior online," advised Colonel Surapong.

Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigations

Police Major General Srayu Klinhom, Deputy Director of News Analysis and Special Tools at TCSD, confirmed that the arrested suspects confessed during interrogation. They will be charged with organizing illegal electronic gambling and money laundering.

The police are continuing their pursuit of the remaining nine suspects who have been identified and have active arrest warrants. This significant crackdown serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and regulation in the fight against illegal online gambling activities.