UTHAI THANI, THAILAND – A Malaysian suspect was arrested after a 70-year-old retired teacher in Uthai Thani transferred more than 22 million baht to fraudsters posing as officials.
Fraudsters tricked pensioner into proving her ‘innocence’
Police in Uthai Thani province confirmed on October 27 that Kanjana, a retired schoolteacher aged 70, lost her life savings after receiving fraudulent calls. The first call came from a man claiming to be a hospital employee in Chiang Mai, who said her personal data had been used in international crimes. A second call came from another person posing as a policeman using the LINE messaging app.
Between September 30 and October 27, Kanjana made 12 bank transfers, the first of which amounted to 17 million baht (around €425,000). Later transfers ranged from several hundred thousand to multiple millions of baht. The scammers told her that she needed to pay to “prove her innocence.”
Cash pick-ups in Uthai Thani exposed the group
Investigators stated that the criminals even travelled to Uthai Thani city to collect money in cash from the house of the retired teacher. According to the Mueang Uthai Thani Police Station, they collected between 2 and 3 million baht per visit.
The total loss reached 22,683,000 baht (about €567,000). After realising the fraud, Kanjana was deeply distressed and refused to speak to anyone, according to her neighbours.
Arrest of the Malaysian suspect
Following a complaint, the police froze several bank accounts linked to the suspects and set up a sting operation. The main perpetrator, identified as Cherway Lock, a Malaysian national, arrived at Kanjana’s home in Uthai Thani to collect more money, unaware that officers were waiting.
Cherway Lock was taken into custody and is now under interrogation while officers trace potential accomplices who participated in the money transfers across Thailand.
Police warning to citizens
Authorities referenced a similar case from October, when another victim aged 74 lost nearly 10 million baht in a comparable scam. Police urged the public to treat any suspicious calls from claimed officials as potential fraud attempts.
The Royal Thai Police Cybercrime Division is coordinating with financial institutions to improve alert systems for unusual transactions, especially for elderly account holders. Investigators said more gangs continue to exploit fear and trust to access large sums in personal accounts.
Key case details:
– Victim: Kanjana, 70-year-old retired teacher, Uthai Thani
– Suspect: Cherway Lock, Malaysian citizen
– Dates of transactions: September 30 – October 27
– Total loss: 22,683,000 baht (approx. €567,000)
– Main agencies involved: Mueang Uthai Thani Police Station, Royal Thai Police
Police emphasised the national challenge of combating scams that specifically target older citizens through psychological pressure and impersonation of authority figures.