Fifteen Thai nationals charged for online gambling in Cambodia
Arrest warrants have been issued for 15 Thai nationals repatriated from Poipet, Cambodia, over allegations of organising online gambling operations.
The action follows a crackdown by Cambodian officials on scammers in the border town last month, resulting in the arrest and deportation of 119 Thais for investigation in Thailand, according to Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiewphan, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).
Among those detained, 93 people face charges related to participating in a transnational criminal organisation, conducting illegal activities, committing fraud, and entering false information into computer systems that could endanger the public.
Seven others were apprehended by officers from Provincial Police Region 2 on separate charges upon their return to Thailand. Of the 19 remaining people, four were 17 years old, while 15 were implicated in online gambling and subsequently charged. So far, five have been arrested.
Yesterday, March 15, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong disclosed that the 15 suspects were involved in hosting live gambling sessions in a Line chat group aimed at Thais, utilising items such as a nodding doll to alert users to live streams.
The investigation is part of the CCIB’s broader efforts to combat illegal online activities. Previously, four suspects were arrested for their roles in call centre scams, including online shopping and investment fraud.
In one incident, people impersonating Department of Special Investigation officers deceived victims into installing apps that accessed their bank accounts, stealing over 1 million baht (US$29,805). Other targeted activities included unlawful online football betting and fraud.
Meanwhile, Thailand has expressed gratitude to Cambodian officials for apprehending the 119 Thais in Poipet, stated Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, the Royal Thai Police inspector-general.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai visited Cambodia on March 13 and March 14 to collaborate with Cambodian officials on prosecuting the suspects.
He noted that Thai scammers frequently targeted fellow Thais, often denying involvement in scam activities upon arrest by claiming they were duped into participating, reported KhaoSod.
Consequently, many were only charged with illegal entry into Cambodia, a loophole that has allowed scammers to persist and grow more violent over the years.
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