Former boxer gets ‘knocked out’ by cops for online gambling
Police from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a well-known former boxer for promoting online gambling websites. The arrest took place yesterday, August 8, with the boxer admitting to receiving 2,500 baht per post.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), apprehended the former professional boxer and popular influencer, Thawon (surname withheld). He was charged with jointly announcing, advertising, or persuading others to engage in online gambling without permission.
CIB officers discovered that Thawon’s Facebook page, which boasts over 330,000 followers, had posted stories featuring schedules of boxing matches along with links to online gambling websites. This activity was seen as an invitation for the public to participate in illegal gambling.
Initial investigations revealed that Thawon was the owner of the Facebook page. The online gambling website owners had hired him to advertise on his Facebook stories, paying him 2,500 baht per post. Thawon admitted to these actions during questioning by officers from the TCSD.
“I am the owner of the Facebook page in question, and I was hired by the online gambling website owners to post advertisements on my page. I received 2,500 baht per post.”
Following his confession, the TCSD officers will gather additional evidence to press charges and proceed with legal action against Thawon and the online gambling website owners.
The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on illegal online gambling activities, which have been on the rise. CCIB officers are intensifying efforts to curb such activities, given their negative impact on society, particularly on young people who are easily influenced by online content.
CCIB officers continue to monitor social media platforms for any signs of illegal activities, and those found guilty will face strict penalties under the law. The public is advised to avoid engaging in or promoting online gambling to prevent legal repercussions and contribute to a safer online environment, reported Khaosod.