Brothers arrested for Facebook scam soliciting hospital donations

Police arrested two brothers for a Facebook scam operation, with fake profiles of local celebrities to fraudulently solicit donations, claiming that an 8,999 baht donation was essential for the purchase of hospital equipment.

At a press conference held yesterday at the Provincial Police Region Office in Udon Thani, Senior Police Officer Chakat Tiamwong, alongside other high-ranking officers, announced the arrest of 19 year old Weerapong, and his brother, 22 year old Peeraphat.

The arrests took place in Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province following arrest warrants issued by the Udon Thani Provincial Court on June 21. The brothers face charges under the Computer Crime Act for fraud and misrepresentation, and using false information online to cause harm.

The charges carry a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Chakat explained that the Udon Thani Provincial Police had been alerted by victims in the area about a scheme involving fake Facebook profiles of local celebrities. The suspects had created profiles that mimicked those of the real individuals, complete with stolen profile pictures.

They then solicited donations from the friends of these impersonated accounts, claiming the money was for buying oxygen tanks for rural hospitals, at 8,999 baht per tank, or donations were accepted according to individuals’ willingness.

Many people fell for the scam, transferring money through Internet banking to accounts controlled by the suspects. The brothers then attempted to obscure the money trail by transferring the funds through multiple accounts, involving over 100 different bank accounts in the process.

Further examination of the seized mobile phones revealed that the suspects had prepared information for over 400 Facebook users across the country to continue their fraud scheme. Police also discovered that the suspects had a history of similar crimes, with over ten related cases and were currently evading lower court proceedings.

The suspects admitted to using the fraudulent funds for personal luxuries and purchasing heroin for their own use and distribution among close acquaintances.

The Udon Thani Provincial Police compiled evidence from individuals whose images were used in the Facebook scam to support further legal proceedings against the perpetrators, reported KhaoSod.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance when making online transactions. The police continue to urge the public to verify the authenticity of solicitations for donations and to report any suspicious activities immediately.