Illegal gambling ring in Bangkok busted, Taiwanese nabbed
Thai cybercrime police conducted a major raid on an illegal online gambling network in Bangkok, apprehending a Taiwanese leader and detaining more than 20 administrators.
The network, which posed as an NFT trading website, was secretly providing online gambling services, including slots, live casinos, sports betting, and poker. Officials estimate the network’s annual cash flow exceeded 500 million baht.
This operation is part of a broader nationwide effort to curb illegal online gambling activities. Officers carried out raids at four locations across Bangkok. Among those apprehended were three individuals already wanted on arrest warrants.
Police are questioning the detained administrators to uncover additional key figures involved in the operation. It is anticipated that further arrests will occur as the investigation delves deeper into the syndicate’s financial activities and its local collaborators, reported The Pattaya News.
In similar news, the Jagat application has been declared illegal by the Department of Provincial Administration, as it is classified as a gambling activity.
Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), announced on February 1 that the Bureau is working closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) to block the app from further use.
Jagat initially gained widespread popularity, allowing users in public spaces across five provinces, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Chon Buri (Pattaya), to participate in activities in exchange for money. However, this led to chaotic scenes as users desperately searched for virtual coins, causing disturbances, property damage, and even trespassing incidents.
Reports emerged of individuals climbing fences, breaking into fire extinguisher cabinets, and damaging red mailboxes in their pursuit of rewards. These reckless actions prompted police to issue warnings about potential trespassing charges for those engaging in such behaviour.
Following concerns over public safety and legality, the CCIB sought clarification from the Department of Provincial Administration, which confirmed that Jagat falls under gambling laws and cannot be legally licensed. Police are now taking decisive steps to prevent further disruption caused by the app.
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