Police bust major online gambling ring in Phitsanulok
Police in the Phitsanulok province detained the owner of an online gambling website and four associates, seizing luxury vehicles and cash. Operating for three years, the network reportedly handled 400 million baht annually through a server in Poipet, Cambodia.
Yesterday, March 3, it was reported that under the direction of Police General Thatchai Pitaneelabut, National Police Inspector General, and Police Lieutenant General Kitisak Durongkhibul, Police Region 6 commander and director of the Technology Crime Suppression Center, a crackdown on online gambling was conducted.
The operation took place between February 14 and February 28, targeting locations in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, resulting in the arrest of four people linked to the OTP 55 gambling website. Those apprehended include 32 year old website owner, Chutiphon Jongsiriwat, 28 year old programmer Saran Tisaranakul, and two others involved in mule account operations.
During the raid on four targeted residences, police confiscated high-value items, including five luxury cars such as a BMW 750e, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Panamera 4, Toyota Alphard Z, and Ford Ranger.
Additionally, two motorcycles, four land title deeds, electronic devices including three iPads, 10 mobile phones, 21 bank books and ATM cards, a safe containing over 4 million baht (US$117,790), branded handbags, luxury watches, and jewellery were seized.
Deputy Police Region 6 Commander, Police Major General Natthawut Pakphum, revealed that the investigation into distinct offences in Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani province, led to the discovery of illegal online gambling activities through the website https://auto.otp55.net.
Further investigation revealed that the server was rented in Poipet while the website owner resided in Hat Yai. The court in Uthai Thani issued arrest warrants for the suspects, who were interconnected and resided in Hat Yai.
The investigation uncovered that the gambling network had been active for over three years, involving numerous accounts with transactions exceeding 40 million baht (US$1.17 million) monthly or over 400 million baht (US$11.7 million) yearly. The suspects face serious charges of organising online gambling and conspiracy to launder money, reported KhaoSod.
The police affirmed their commitment to enforcing the highest legal penalties and intensifying efforts to combat technology-related crimes. They also cautioned the public to be vigilant against fraud and to avoid engaging with online gambling, as it is illegal and poses risks of deception and financial loss.
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