Online gambling crackdown: Police bet big, net 400 million baht

Police swooped on a major online gambling network, resulting in the arrest of two key figures and the seizure of assets worth over 400 million baht. The operation, named Shutdown, targeted the Askmepay and Hengpay payment systems implicated in the illegal activities.

At 10.30am yesterday, July 16, police officials announced the successful raid on three locations in Bangkok. The operation led to the arrest of 39 year old Narayut, and 33 year old Narot, both wanted on warrants issued by the Criminal Court. They face charges of running an online gambling operation, conspiracy to launder money and money laundering.

During the raids, police confiscated two computers, one laptop, 14 mobile phones, 21 bank account books, 53 cash cards, and four luxury cars, including a Ferrari 296 GTS, an Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, a Lexus van, and a Subaru. Additionally, over 362 million baht (US$10 million) was seized from accounts connected to the operation, bringing the total value of seized assets to over 400 million baht (US$11 million).

According to police officials, the investigation began when they discovered the website 69pgslot.com, which was facilitating online gambling with payments processed through automatic deposit and withdrawal systems. The transactions were conducted via QR codes linked to Askmepay and Hengpay.

The money transferred through the QR codes was funnelled into accounts belonging to Hengpay Co., Ltd., and then distributed to mule accounts to avoid detection by banking facial recognition systems. The operation had a monthly turnover of over 5 billion baht (US$139 million).

Police officials revealed that the online gambling operation had been running for approximately three to four years, while the payment system had been operational for about seven to eight months. Upon identifying the illegal activities, police gathered sufficient evidence to obtain arrest warrants for 14 individuals involved in the network.

Gambling bust

Norot was identified as the mastermind behind the payment system and a director at Hengpay Co., Ltd. and HB Middle Group Co., Ltd. Narayut was the owner of the gambling website 69pgslot.com. Both were apprehended, along with the seizure of assets believed to be acquired through illegal activities.

Norot, despite his luxurious lifestyle, often portrayed himself as a pious individual by visiting temples and making merit, possibly to create a credible public image. Initially, Norot has denied all charges, while Narayut has confessed to his involvement. The police plan to expand their investigation to apprehend other members of the network, reported KhaoSod.

Reports indicate that Norot is the eldest son of a prominent academic known for research on illegal gambling finances in Thailand. He holds a bachelor’s degree in law from a prestigious university in Thailand and a master’s degree from a university in the United Kingdom.