BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s cyber police dismantled an alleged international call centre scam network that used fake online marketplaces to defraud buyers, arresting 10 suspects on Monday including the alleged ringleader.
Coordinated raids across four provinces
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) announced the arrests at its Bangkok headquarters at 2:10 p.m. on 26 January 2026. Investigators carried out simultaneous raids at eight locations in Bangkok, Rayong, Phayao and Chiang Rai.
According to police, the detainees included Thai and Myanmar nationals who were suspected of jointly running a series of fraud schemes. They allegedly advertised goods at well below market prices via Facebook pages.
Fake Facebook shops and undelivered goods
The CCIB stated that victims had been instructed to transfer the full purchase price in advance, but the ordered products were never delivered. During the investigation, officers linked several of these Facebook pages to one another and attributed them to the same group.
The perpetrators reportedly used a comprehensive deception system that included paid online advertising to boost reach, fake customer reviews and previously active social media pages to create an appearance of legitimacy.
62-year-old suspected as network leader
Police identified a 62‑year‑old Thai man as the suspected head of the network, saying he coordinated operations. He was alleged to have managed bank accounts, recruited account holders and directed the forwarding of funds.
The group was said to have used multiple intermediary accounts to obscure money flows before cash withdrawals and transfers across the border. Some of those arrested reportedly admitted to providing accounts and assisting with cash withdrawals, with payments distributed according to each person’s role in the network, investigators said.
Hundreds of millions in cash withdrawn
The case began after affected buyers filed reports through the Online Crime Reporting System for Technology Crimes. Individual losses were often small, but the volume of transactions indicated an organised structure.
By 2025, the group had allegedly withdrawn more than 300 million baht in cash. Financial records linked the suspects to over 40 fraud cases with total damages exceeding 5 million baht.
Suspected links to other scam models
Police suspected the network had also been active in other fraud schemes, including hotel booking scams and bogus part-time job offers. These forms of online crime were increasingly affecting the country’s tourism and service sectors.
Serious charges and seized evidence
The Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on charges of public fraud, computer crime, money laundering and membership in an organised criminal group. During the raids, officers seized mobile phones, banking documents, SIM cards and transaction records.
The CCIB said the investigation had been conducted in close coordination with financial institutions and the Anti-Fraud Centre. Initial details of the case had first been reported by Khaosod.
When a click turns into a trap
“A low price, a familiar logo, a few good reviews – and money is already flowing into the wrong hands.”
said The Thaiger, media outlet.
“How many warning signs do we overlook in everyday life because everything looks ‘normal’?”
said The Thaiger, media outlet.
“Do we need tougher laws, more inspections – or finally digital education as self-protection?”
said The Thaiger, media outlet.
“Where, in your view, is the greatest leverage against this type of crime?”
said The Thaiger, media outlet.