Online gambling operation busted in Hat Yai condo
Police have raided an online gambling operation, LIGAZ88, located in a luxury condominium in Hat Yai, uncovering a business with a monthly turnover of 50 million baht. The operation led to the arrest of three individuals, including a retired teacher.
A crackdown by the Technology Crime Suppression Division of the Songkhla Provincial Police led to the arrest of three suspects linked to the online gambling site, LIGAZ88. Leading the operation were Dusit Promsine and Ekaphob Musikapak, alongside other officers.
The suspects, named as 63 year old Watsakan, 29 year old Supawinee, and 27 year old Warawut, were caught running a gambling network offering online slots, sports betting, and other forms of gambling. It was reported that the operation had a substantial monthly turnover exceeding 50 million baht (US$1.46 million).
Following a tip-off, the police discovered that an online gambling gang had established a base in Hat Yai district, prompting them to track the financial transactions before executing simultaneous searches at three locations.
The first raid took place at the home of Watsakan, a retired teacher, in Khuan Lang, Hat Yai. An ATM card belonging to a man named Anuwat was found during the search, which was linked to a mule account used for transferring gambling funds. Police seized the card and detained Watsakan for further questioning at the Songkhla Provincial Police Investigation Division.
Watsakan confessed to using the ATM card to withdraw cash and transfer money to Saharat, the owner of LIGAZ88. Additionally, she admitted to renting a luxury condo in downtown Hat Yai for setting up the gambling website.
Online gambling
The second location was the home of Supawinee in Khuan Lang, not far from the first residence. Inside, police found Supawinee and Warawut along with a multitude of mobile phones, tablets, computers, bank books, and ATM cards. A white and black Mini Cooper bearing fake license plates was also discovered and seized as evidence.
Supawinee admitted that her involvement started through her boyfriend, who ran the online gambling site, and she served as an admin managing customer deposits, withdrawals, and payroll for employees. She stated she had been in this role for five years, earning between 20,000 and 50,000 baht (US$585 to 1,460) per month.
Warawut disclosed that his role was in marketing for the gambling site, earning a salary of 15,000 baht (US$440). He mentioned having seven colleagues and that Saharat had contacted him to come to the house before their arrest by the police.
Police subsequently took Supawinee and Warawut to search the luxury condominium in downtown Hat Yai, which was used for promoting and operating the online gambling site. The search yielded 12 computers, bank books, various peripherals, mobile phones, and numerous unused SIM cards, reported KhaoSod.
All three individuals were charged with organising illegal gambling activities, advertising and enticing others to gamble online unlawfully, and illicitly using others’ electronic banking accounts. They were taken into custody along with the confiscated items and handed over to Hat Yai Police for further legal proceedings.
