DSI bets big: Raids hit jackpot on illegal online gambling networks

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) spearheaded a series of raids targeting illegal online gambling networks on October 29.

The coordinated efforts, conducted alongside the Immigration Bureau and other relevant agencies, spanned 11 locations across Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, and Pattaya.

The operation was prompted by the discovery of gambling networks infiltrating and manipulating data pathways on government websites, effectively redirecting users to gambling platforms.

Initial probes into the cyber intrusions revealed that 23 government agency websites had been compromised. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), working closely with the DSI, identified unauthorised folders and files embedded within these sites.

These malicious files were designed to redirect unsuspecting visitors to gambling sites, thereby increasing these sites’ visibility on Google and attracting more traffic.

During the raids, police seized a substantial amount of evidence, including over 100 bank accounts associated with the illegal operations. The financial trail revealed annual funds exceeding 20 billion baht (US$592 million). In addition to bank accounts, cryptocurrency accounts, computers, digital wallets, and mobile devices were confiscated.

The arrests made during the operation included individuals allegedly involved in the network, with some identified as Chinese nationals. The DSI is actively pursuing leads to dismantle the broader network and prevent future attacks, reported The Pattaya News.

Police urge any agency that detects suspicious activities or anomalies within their systems to report them immediately. The DSI’s Technology and Information Division is available for contact via their hotline, 1202, for timely assistance and intervention.

In related news, police raided a luxury resort in the Na Jomtien area of Chon Buri, uncovering a gambling operation and arresting 15 Thai gamblers at the scene.

Officers from the Provincial Investigation Police Region 2 raided the luxury resort on September 28 in the Sattahip district of Chon Buri and found 15 gamblers playing a popular Thai card game called Poek Deng, also known as Pok Paet Pok Kao.