HAT YAI, THAILAND – Thai police arrested a 19-year-old Malaysian suspected of serving as a money courier for an international call-center scam as he attempted to flee the country.
Suspect seized within 24 hours of arrest warrant
Investigators took the man into custody in Hat Yai less than 24 hours after a court in Lom Sak issued a warrant for his arrest. Under the command of Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak, immigration officers from Songkhla and colleagues from Phetchabun stormed a hotel in central Hat Yai. The suspect, known only by the name “Febby”, was arrested without resistance as he stood ready to depart with packed suitcases.
Retired official defrauded of more than one million baht
The arrest stemmed from a particularly devious fraud case targeting a retired government official in Phetchabun. The victim received a call from people posing as investigators, who accused him of links to money-laundering and drug bank accounts. Under intense pressure, he transferred more than 400,000 baht to eleven different accounts.
Cash handover linked to alleged courier
The scammers then forced the victim to obtain an additional 600,000 baht as supposed bail, which he had to hand over in person to a man claiming to be a government official. The total loss exceeded one million baht (about 25,000 euros). According to the investigation, the arrested Malaysian took delivery of this cash in Phetchabun and later transported it to a senior gang member in Bangkok.
Low pay for high-risk courier work
For his role as courier, the suspect reportedly received only 1,000 ringgit (around 7,500 baht or 190 euros). During questioning he claimed he did not know the origin of the money, a statement police dismissed as not credible. Authorities viewed his actions as playing a key role in the gang’s logistics chain.
Transnational network with plans beyond Thailand
Intelligence indicated a professional, transnational structure behind the operation. The detained courier was allegedly due to travel to Japan to collect money there as well. Investigators believe the group was capable of targeting victims worldwide and of various nationalities, with Thai authorities assuming close links to Malaysian partners.
Police aim for deterrence and continue manhunt
The case illustrated how call-center gangs deliberately drove their victims into fear and panic. Police said they wanted to use swift arrests as a deterrent.
“We will arrest anyone who supports these criminal activities in Thailand, regardless of nationality.”
said Thai authorities.
The Malaysian suspect was handed over to investigators in Lom Kao for further legal proceedings. The hunt for his accomplices and the masterminds behind the network continued at full speed.