The gang operated by impersonating a renowned politician to gain victims’ trust and persuade them to invest in cryptocurrency through a fake trading platform, reports the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).
The scammers’ deception led to significant financial losses for the victims. Investigations revealed that ‘Mr Prachya’, a key member of the gang responsible for creating mule bank accounts, was operating in Phuket.
Cyber police apprehended Prachya in Koh Kaew last Thursday (Jan 9) on an arrest warrant issued by the Thanyaburi Provincial Court. Subsequent investigations uncovered additional warrants linked to him from Saem Dam and Pathum Thani City Police Stations, CCIB noted in their report.
During interrogation, Prachya admitted to previously serving prison time and struggling to find employment after his release. He confessed to being recruited to open bank accounts for an online gambling syndicate, earning B800 per account. He admitted to opening seven accounts, which were later used for fraudulent activities.
Prachya was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges, including: public fraud through false information; importing forged or misleading computer data; and facilitating illegal use of deposit accounts or electronic cards.
The CCIB said they were continuing their investigation and were committed to prosecuting the gang members to the fullest extent of the law.