Cyber police dismantle major Bangkok gambling network
Cyber police swooped on the Bangkok 198 online gambling network, arresting its financial executive and seizing luxury cars, along with over 9 million baht in cash, and uncovering a monthly turnover exceeding 10 million baht.
Yesterday, January 7, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phivphan, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, instructed Police Colonel Surapong Thaiprasert and Police Colonel Apirak Champasri, along with an investigative team, to launch operations targeting two locations in Nonthaburi and Phitsanulok provinces.
At the first location, police executed a search warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court, raiding a house in a well-known village in Ban Mai subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. The second raid, authorised by the Phitsanulok Provincial Court, took place at a residence in Village 8, Hua Ro subdistrict, Mueang district, Phitsanulok province, identified as a network base for the Bangkok 198 gambling website.
During the operation, police apprehended 29 year old Sitthidet, the financial executive of the gambling network, at his residence in Phitsanulok province, under a warrant issued by the Criminal Court. They seized evidence including 9.4 million baht (US$272,115) in cash, three vehicles, 11 bank account books, 11 ATM cards, a laptop, and various documents and equipment, totalling 35 items.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong highlighted that the government had tasked the Royal Thai Police with cracking down on online gambling, as it negatively influences the public and youth. The investigation by Division 1 of the Cyber Crime Bureau identified the Bangkok 198 website as a major player in online gambling, offering services such as lotteries, slots, football betting, fish shooting, and baccarat.
The platform facilitated gambling transactions through domestic bank accounts with automated systems for withdrawals directly via the website and had been operational for over six months with more than 15,000 members. The network was generating over 10 million baht (US$289,520) monthly.
Police gathered sufficient evidence to secure search and arrest warrants for those involved in the network, including financial directors and mule account operators, resulting in four arrest warrants. They proceeded with the operation, capturing Sitthidet and confiscating assets worth over 10 million baht.
During the initial questioning, Sitthidet denied the allegations. Police charged him with organising and promoting gambling through electronic media without permission and conspiring with others to commit money laundering, reported KhaoSod.
He was taken into custody along with the seized items and handed over to investigators from Division 1 of the Cyber Crime Bureau for further legal proceedings.
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