BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai police moved to escalate their case against fugitive crypto investor Worawat “Acme” Narknawdee by seeking an Interpol Red Notice after at least 61 victims reported losses totaling 76 million baht.
61 Complaints and Fears of Growing Losses
According to Pol Maj Gen Thatphum Jaruprat, head of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, 61 people had formally lodged complaints so far. Each reported investments ranging between 1 million and 2 million baht.
Investigators expected the number of complainants to rise. They believed total damages could grow into the high hundreds of millions of baht as more alleged victims came forward.
Suspected Pyramid Scheme and Illegal Return Promises
Police initially treated the case as one involving illegal fund‑raising or a possible pyramid scheme, as the suspect was accused of offering returns beyond legal limits. According to investigators, promised earnings in some instances exceeded permitted thresholds by up to 100 percent.
Authorities were examining whether the structure of the investment offers and the flow of money matched classic characteristics of fraudulent high‑yield schemes. Findings from this review were expected to underpin potential additional criminal charges.
Digital Token ACT and SEC’s Pivotal Role
Responding to reports that Worawat had launched his own token called ACT, police said they needed close coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Only then could officials determine whether rules governing digital‑asset trading had been violated.
The outcome of that consultation was expected to guide what criminal or regulatory actions might follow. Any SEC findings could influence both the scale of charges and future oversight of similar products.
Two SEC Cases and 2025 Arrest Warrants
Police said the SEC had filed two separate complaints against Worawat in 2025. In the first case, the file was forwarded to prosecutors and an arrest warrant was issued.
The second case concerned an online investment model with around 40 alleged victims and estimated damages of 10 million baht, which also resulted in an arrest warrant. Both matters formed part of the broader investigation now under way.
Flight Since November 15, 2024 – Interpol Asked to Assist
Authorities established that Worawat left Thailand on 15 November 2024 and had been considered a fugitive since then. Based on the 2025 arrest warrants, police were now coordinating with Interpol to seek a Red Notice.
Such a notice would aim to facilitate his arrest abroad and possible extradition. Investigators viewed international cooperation as essential, given suspected cross‑border movements of funds and the suspect himself.
No Evidence Against Wife, but High‑Profile Connection
Police also highlighted that Worawat was the husband of Thai‑German actress Nutcha “Nonny” Schumacher, drawing public attention to the case. Investigators said, however, that they had found no evidence so far linking her to any wrongdoing.
At the same time, officers announced they were gathering documentation to seek further arrest warrants for other alleged members of his network. The focus was on identifying individuals who might have helped promote or operate the contested investment schemes.
Photos With Celebrities and a Persistent Tactic
Pol Maj Gen Thatphum said some victims continued to trust the suspect even after learning there were arrest warrants against him. Worawat allegedly claimed those warrants were “fabricated” and used photographs with well‑known figures to bolster his credibility.
Investigators said this pattern of deception had essentially remained unchanged since 2024. They were reviewing how such social proof and personal contacts may have influenced investor decisions.
Digital Wallets, Modest Balances and Complex Asset Freezes
Police were also examining the suspect’s digital wallets and said they had found initial financial trails linking wallets in Thailand and abroad. Tracing and verifying these flows required technical analysis and cooperation with foreign counterparts.
Freezing any potential assets demanded coordination among several agencies. Early checks suggested that remaining balances in the wallets were relatively small, reportedly under 1 million baht.
New Allegations – Petition Cites 1.3 Billion Baht in Losses
On 10 March, an additional group of 30 people came forward, accusing Worawat of luring investors into a fraudulent crypto scheme that caused losses of more than 1.3 billion baht. They sought broader recognition of the scale of alleged harm.
Tankhun Jit-itsara, chairman of the Santi Prachatham Club, submitted a petition on their behalf to investigators at the Economic Crime Suppression Division and urged firm action.
“The case shows how quickly promises of ‘safe’ crypto returns in Thailand can turn into investigations over suspected fraud schemes and international manhunts.”
said Tankhun Jit-itsara, Santi Prachatham Club chairman.