BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 40-year-old woman was accused of defrauding a retiree of more than 9 million baht through a bogus investment scheme and was arrested in Bangkok’s Dusit district, according to police.
Arrest in Dusit on court warrant
Police arrested the 40-year-old on Monday at a house in the Dusit area of Bangkok. The operation was carried out on the basis of an arrest warrant issued on 8 April.
According to investigators, the suspect was then handed over to the responsible officers to initiate further legal procedures. Police initially did not say whether she would remain in pretrial detention.
Serious allegations: fraud, forgery and money laundering
The woman faced accusations including attempted fraud and fraud by identity deception. She was also suspected of forging and using forged documents.
Additional charges concerned the input of false information into a computer system and money laundering. This combination suggested that investigators were also examining financial flows and possible attempts to conceal them.
Contact began with Facebook property listing
Police said the case began when the victim, an older woman, advertised a house for sale on Facebook. The suspect allegedly first posed as a potential buyer.
In this way, she was said to have gained the trust of the retiree, according to investigators. Only afterwards did discussions about supposed investment opportunities take place.
Fake investments and pooled schemes
After trust had been established, the suspect allegedly persuaded the victim to invest in various projects. These reportedly included so‑called pooled investment models.
In such arrangements, deposits from several people are combined, which can be attractive for fraudsters because the resulting money flows appear more complex. Police did not disclose which specific projects or platforms were allegedly used.
Over six months: multiple transfers, over 9 million baht lost
According to police, the victim transferred money several times over a period of more than six months. In the end, the losses allegedly amounted to more than 9 million baht.
How many transactions were made and which accounts received the funds was not published. Investigators were expected to focus on tracing the transfers and identifying any possible accomplices.
Suspect denies all charges
The arrested woman denied all allegations, police said. No further details were given about her defence or about potential evidence.
The case was being pursued under the relevant legal procedures. Authorities regularly emphasised in such proceedings that the presumption of innocence applies until a final court ruling is reached.