Police raid uncovers 3.5 million baht online gambling in Nong Khai
Immigration police in Nong Khai yesterday raided a luxury house in Mueang district, uncovering an illicit online gambling operation involving both Thai and Lao websites. The operation saw a daily transaction of at least 3.5 million baht, leading to the arrest of 10 people.
Police Major General Waritsiri Leelasiri, acting commissioner of Immigration Division 4, yesterday, February 5, led the operation alongside Police Colonel Nattawut Sangduan, Police Colonel Kritchamongkut Buranaphakdee, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Apichat Khlatha.
They executed a search warrant at the luxury property located in Moo 1, Chom Mani 4 alley, Mueang district, Nong Khai province, following intelligence from Lt. Col. Apichat. The information indicated that the property was hosting illegal online gambling activities.
Upon arrival, the police presented the search warrant to the residents, identifying four Thais and six Laotians. The house owner was absent.
Inside, computers were actively engaged with customers, and it was confirmed that they were operating several online gambling platforms. These included two Thai websites, Lion777 and Bear798, and one Lao website, UefaLa88.
Police confiscated various equipment, including computers, seven monitors, three CPUs, an all-in-one computer, mobile phones, and bank account records. The Thai websites reportedly generated a monthly turnover of 2 million baht, while the Lao website accounted for approximately 1.5 million baht (US$44,610) monthly.
The investigation by the Nong Khai Immigration Police revealed frequent border crossings by a group of Laotians through the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Mueang district, Nong Khai. These people failed to register their accommodation details, and their movements were suspicious, alternating shifts from 7.30am to 4.30pm and 4.30pm-7.30am daily.
The house in question had not declared employment of foreign workers, leading police to suspect illegal activities, reported KhaoSod.
The successful raid dismantled the online gambling hub in central Nong Khai. The police plan to expand the investigation to track down the operation’s masterminds. Those arrested face charges of facilitating online gambling and will be prosecuted according to the law.
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