PHUKET, THAILAND – Thai cyber police dismantled an alleged nationwide online gambling and money‑laundering network that had moved more than 100 million baht through company accounts in just four days.
Online casino trail led to shell firm accounts
The Cyber Crime Investigation Department (CCID) had been tracking an illegal gambling website that offered slot games and baccarat, following the flows of money linked to its operations. Investigators uncovered a sophisticated setup in which the operators used multiple bank accounts opened under company names, described as “corporate nominee accounts.”
Through these accounts, player stakes were received and winnings were paid out, according to police. A total of nine bank accounts belonging to eight companies in Phuket and Khon Kaen were identified.
Over 100 million baht in four days
Financial records showed an extraordinary volume of transactions. According to investigators, the network moved more than 100 million baht, roughly 2.5 million euros, through the accounts in only four days.
Police said this volume of funds was decisive evidence of large‑scale criminal activity. The criminal court subsequently issued arrest warrants for the company directors suspected of involvement, and units under the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) carried out coordinated operations in both provinces.
Five suspects detained in coordinated raids
In Mueang Phuket and Mueang Khon Kaen, officers arrested five people: Ms. Piyamon, Ms. Saichol, Ms. Sukanya, Mr. Worakorn and Ms. Sasipha. During the searches, police seized seven mobile phones, two iPads, one computer, ten bank books, company documents, a company seal and gold‑coloured jewellery.
After being taken into custody, the suspects confessed, according to police statements. They admitted registering companies and opening accounts, while claiming they did not fully understand the scale of the criminal activities.
Suspects claim they thought it was legitimate business
Those arrested in Phuket told officers they had been informed the accounts would be used for online business and to improve creditworthiness for loan applications. In Khon Kaen, the suspects said they had been persuaded to register companies and open accounts in return for financial compensation or simply meals.
Police, however, pointed out that four of the five detainees already had outstanding preliminary arrest warrants for similar offences. Investigators questioned the claim that the suspects were unaware of the true nature of the activities.
Charges of illegal gambling and money laundering
The detainees were handed over to CCID Division 2. They faced allegations of jointly organising unauthorised electronic gambling and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
These charges could result in lengthy prison sentences if convictions are secured. Investigations continued in an effort to identify the masterminds behind the network, who police said had operated from the shadows while using nominees.
Authorities vow to follow the money
Police said the case sent a clear message that the use of nominees and complex company structures did not shield those involved from prosecution. Cyber investigators pledged to track financial flows back to their ultimate source.
“The successful dismantling of this network is an important success in the fight against organised cybercrime and shows that the authorities have upgraded their technological capabilities.”
said Thai police, according to the report.
Illegal gambling seen as drain on state revenue
The case highlighted the scale of Thailand’s illegal online gambling industry, which authorities said deprived the state of billions in tax revenue and drew people into gambling addiction. Officials framed the operation as both a blow against the shadow economy and a warning to those who provide fronts for digital betting schemes.
For the five arrested suspects, police said a long legal process was now underway. For the alleged ringleaders still at large, investigators indicated that the hunt had only just begun.