China exposes 36 scam gangs targeting victims with 100k callers
Chinese police have revealed the shocking scale of international call scam operations, with 36 major gangs employing over 100,000 callers to swindle victims out of their money.
The revelation came during a high-profile meeting between Chinese Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi and Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in Nonthaburi yesterday.
Leading a Chinese delegation, Liu sought Thailand’s cooperation in dismantling these criminal networks, many of which operate from Myanmar’s Myawaddy region near Thailand’s Tak province. These gangs have reportedly lured Chinese citizens into crossing the border into Myanmar under false pretences, only to be forced into gruelling work in scam centres under brutal conditions.
“Many victims have been assaulted, and some have tragically lost their lives.”
Liu highlighted the recent case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was duped into travelling to Myanmar for a fake casting audition. Instead of a role, he was held captive by a scam gang before eventually being rescued. The incident has caused widespread concern among Chinese citizens, leading to a drop in tourists visiting Thailand due to safety fears.
The Chinese delegation called on Thai police to arrest and extradite gang bosses residing in Thailand and apprehend around 20 suspects linked to Wang’s case. They also urged Thailand to block the resources and financial channels used by these gangs.
In response, the CCIB proposed stronger collaboration, including setting up a joint coordination centre to combat call-scam operations. Thai police also requested Chinese support in locating gang leaders and halting the transfer of funds from victims to scammers, reported Bangkok Post.
ORIGINAL STORY: Thailand and China unite to tackle call centre scams and trafficking
Thailand and China have joined forces to combat call centre scams, human trafficking, and transnational crime, with a focus on locating missing individuals who have been deceived into travelling to neighbouring countries. A meeting was held yesterday, January 12 at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok, attended by senior officials from both nations.
Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, the National Police Inspector General and director of the Centre for the Protection of Children, Women, Families, and Anti-Human Trafficking, led the discussions. The meeting highlighted cooperation to tackle human trafficking and transnational crime, where Thailand has often been used as a transit point to lure foreigners into working for call centre scams.
The meeting also acknowledged the successful rescue of Wang Xing, a Chinese actor tricked into travelling to Myanmar, and subsequently brought back safely.
Representatives from the Thai side included Deputy Commander Police Major General Pongsayam Meekhanthong of the Tourist Police, Police Major General Saruti Kwangsopha, Commander of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, and Deputy Commander Police Colonel Songklot Krikkritaya of the Special Branch Bureau, along with officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division and Immigration Bureau.
The Chinese delegation comprised Wu Zhiwu, the Ambassador of China to Thailand, Pan Jin, Consul and Overseas Chinese Affairs Counsellor, Wen Yonggang, Police Attaché, Police Major Zhao Yingning, Assistant Police Attaché, and Li Shaopu, Third Secretary in the Consular Section.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai announced plans to establish a coordination centre between Thai and Chinese police forces, focusing on tracking missing persons or those deceived into neighbouring countries. The centre will also facilitate the exchange of information on call centre scams, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
Additionally, it will implement stricter border control measures to prevent illegal activities, reported KhaoSod.
He further emphasised that this collaboration aims to strengthen border control, thereby reducing risks and preventing criminal activities, particularly the suppression of call centre gangs that utilise online deception and force individuals in Thailand and abroad into criminal activities.
The discussions underscored a joint commitment between the Thai and Chinese governments to crack down on transnational criminal organisations, particularly call centre gangs and human trafficking rings, while ensuring the safety of tourists visiting Thailand.
Latest Thailand News
