House of cards tumbles: Cops bust Hua Hin gambling ring
Six suspects have been rounded up in a dramatic police raid on an illegal online gambling empire operating out of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) swooped in on LAVAMAX1688, a shadowy betting network that had raked in over 8 million baht in just eight months.
With arrest warrants issued for seven people, officers stormed three locations across the resort town on Saturday, March 22, including a rental room in Hua Hin Soi 126. Three key suspects, believed to be the masterminds behind the operation, were taken into custody, while police seized five computers used in the illicit business.
Another three individuals, working as customer service operators for the gambling site, were also arrested. Each had been pocketing a 12,000 baht monthly wage for their role in the racket.
Further searches at a second house in Hua Hin Soi 126 unearthed bank account records and two computers, linking a financial backer to the scheme. Although the suspect was not found, police gathered key evidence.
A third location, a house in Hua Hin Soi Chonprathan 15, was also raided but appeared deserted.
During interrogations, all six detainees confessed to running the site, foolishly believing Hua Hin was a safe haven for their shady operation. However, the true criminal mastermind – an expert in cyber technology – remains on the run, warned CCIB Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewpan.
The suspects face a slew of charges, including operating illegal online gambling, money laundering, and engaging in criminal financial activities. Meanwhile, Bangkok Post reported that the hunt continues for the fugitive kingpin.
Last week, Thai police swooped on a notorious condominium in the Lat Phrao area, arresting a group of Chinese operating an online gambling site.
The operation seized numerous items and uncovered cash flow amounting to millions of baht. The suspects confessed to working as website administrators, earning a monthly salary of 50,000 baht.
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