BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai police arrested 339 suspected cybercriminals in a nationwide crackdown aimed at crippling online fraud networks.
Nationwide raids under ‘Saifa Fad’ operation
From 18 to 26 November, a wave of arrests swept across Thailand as the Cyber Crime Suppression Center (CCSC) led a coordinated offensive against mule accounts and technology-related crime. The operation, known as “Saifa Fad,” was designed to strike at the backbone of organized scam networks.
Police General Jirabhop Bhuridej said many suspects cooperated with investigators.
“209 of those arrested have already confessed to opening criminal accounts.”
said Jirabhop, police general.
Over one million fraud complaints since 2022
Authorities reported that since 2022, there had been 1.09 million complaints related to online fraud across the country. The total financial damage exceeded 100 billion baht, equivalent to about 2.5 billion euros.
Jirabhop underlined the central role of mule accounts in these schemes.
“Mule accounts are a critical component of practically all fraud operations.”
said Jirabhop, police general.
He added that without such accounts, criminals would be unable to launder their stolen funds.
Foreign suspects and ‘mule farm’ uncovered
The raids exposed a range of criminal activities. In Bangkok, officers arrested 15 foreign nationals accused of running a fake cryptocurrency platform.
In Rayong, police detained a Chinese suspect who allegedly supervised cash withdrawals for a call-center gang. In Sakon Nakhon, investigators uncovered a so-called “mule farm,” where people were recruited to have their faces scanned for TrueMoney accounts.
AI tools bolster investigations
Police said they had upgraded their technology to track criminal operations more effectively. Artificial intelligence was now being used to sift through data and identify suspicious accounts.
“We have modernized our operations.”
said Jirabhop, police general.
Suspects were now being transferred centrally to the Central Investigation Bureau and Provincial Police Region 6 in Phitsanulok, a move officials said helped close loopholes that had previously hampered investigations.
Public urged to guard passwords and personal data
Authorities issued clear warnings about common tactics used by scammers. Police stressed that legitimate banks or government agencies would never ask for passwords or demand transfers to unknown accounts.
They advised the public to be suspicious of unexpected prize notifications or alleged emergencies involving family members. People were urged never to share personal data over the phone and to always verify the caller’s identity before acting.
Pressure on cyber networks to continue
Officials described the large-scale raids as only an initial step. Police announced plans to further increase pressure on the criminal networks behind cyber fraud in Thailand.
“We will not let up until Thailand is safe from these cyber gangsters.”
said Jirabhop, police general.
For the 339 detainees, the next stage would be to face proceedings under Thai law.