BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai authorities seized more than 10 billion baht in assets in a sweeping nationwide raid targeting cross-border scam networks linked to Cambodia.
Nationwide raids under ‘Uproot Cross-Border Scammers’
Thai police launched the coordinated operation under the codename “Uproot Cross-Border Scammers”, striking simultaneously at 50 locations across 22 provinces. Luxury villas, high-end cars and clandestine offices were searched as the Central Investigation Bureau worked closely with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).
“This was one of the most comprehensive operations against organised cybercrime in Thailand’s history.”
said a senior investigator.
Cambodia-based masterminds and Thai money launderers
Investigations focused on criminal groups operating from Cambodia, where they allegedly directed call-centre scams, investment traps and fake online shops. Thai accomplices were responsible for money laundering, using real estate, luxury cars and yachts to clean the proceeds.
This link between foreign ringleaders and local facilitators made the network powerful and dangerous for unsuspecting victims, according to investigators.
Case 1: Chen Zhi network and crypto laundering
The first blow targeted the Chen Zhi network, led by a Chinese-Cambodian businessman suspected of involvement in online fraud and human trafficking. His group allegedly used the Prince Holding Group as a front, converting stolen funds into cryptocurrency before moving them into legal assets.
Police reported 102 seized items worth about 373 million baht (11.7 million dollars), describing the scheme as a textbook case of hybrid crime blending cyberfraud and financial laundering.
Case 2: Kok An and stolen faces for mule accounts
The second target was Kok An, owner of several buildings in Cambodia that allegedly served as scam call-centres. The gang reportedly used stolen facial data to open so‑called mule accounts in the names of unwitting third parties.
The stolen money was then moved through these accounts before being used to buy expensive assets in Thailand under straw men’s names. Authorities seized 90 assets with a total value of 467 million baht (14.6 million dollars).
Case 3: Tangmo Thai’s multi-billion-baht scheme
The most spectacular case involved the Tangmo Thai network, which was said to have connections to high-ranking Cambodian circles, including banker Yim Leak. Victims were allegedly instructed to transfer funds for supposed “purity checks”, after which the money was obscured through complex international transactions.
The haul included land, condominiums and securities worth 9.279 billion baht (290 million dollars), along with three luxury cars, among them a Ferrari 488 GTB.
Political fallout and citizenship move
At a press conference, Prime Minister Anutin faced pointed questions because one suspect, Ben Smith, was personally known to Deputy Prime Minister Pol. Col. Thammanat Prompao. Anutin rejected any suggestion of leniency based on personal ties.
“Private acquaintances can exist. But if there is evidence of wrongdoing, we will pursue the case strictly, without exception.”
said Anutin.
He went further by ordering the revocation of the Thai citizenship of the suspected Cambodian banker Yim Leak, a move described domestically as unprecedented.
Case 4: Fake trading app and USDT laundering
In the fourth case, the Eua-Angkoon group allegedly lured investors into a stock-trading trap via the fake app “ULELA Max”. The stolen funds were reportedly laundered immediately into USDT cryptocurrency to obscure their origin.
The asset seizures were issued on a preliminary basis and would remain in force for 90 days, officials said.
Next steps in Thailand’s cybercrime fight
Those affected were given 30 days to prove the legality of their assets in court if they wanted them returned. Authorities framed the operation as part of a longer-term campaign against evolving online crime.
“Technology-related crime keeps evolving,”
said Anutin.
“But as a government we say: we will always catch you – for the safety of our citizens.”
said Anutin.