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Woman arrested in Rawai for role in B36mn investment scam

Woman arrested in Rawai for role in B36mn investment scam

PHUKET: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working with the Highway Police Division, has apprehended a 36-year-old woman in Rawai accused of facilitating a large-scale investment scam that defrauded victims of over B36 million.

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By The Phuket News

Thursday 16 January 2025 12:04 PM


Photo: CIB

Photo: CIB

The suspect, identified only as ‘Ms Wipha’, was arrested at a residence in Soi Samakee 2, Rawai, following a months-long investigation, the CIB reported.

Wipha has now been charged with multiple offenses, including fraud, impersonation and introducing false or distorted data into a computer system.  

The case centers around a gang that used fake apps to lure victims into investing in stocks and foreign currency trading.

The gang promised high returns but manipulated the system to prevent victims from withdrawing their funds.

Investigators revealed that Ms. Wipha had been hired to open a ‘mule account’ used to receive the victims’ money transfers.  

According to the CIB report, victims were persuaded through social media to invest via the fraudulent apps, believing they would secure significant profits. 

However, after transferring money to the suspect’s account, they were unable to retrieve their investments. 

One victim eventually filed a complaint, prompting authorities to investigate and gather evidence, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Wipha.  

Police located Wipha near the residence in Rawai and apprehended her after informing her of the charges. She has been handed over to Patong Police for further legal proceedings.  

The arrest team, led by Pol Lt Col Chatuphon Tikaew, included officers from the Highway Police. Authorities are continuing their efforts to track down other members of the gang and bring them to justice.